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10X 

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lax 

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:6x 

»i 

1 

j/ 

"~n 

12X 


IftX 


20X 


24  X 


28  X 


32  » 


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method: 


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filmage. 

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par  le  premier  plat  at  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
orlginaux  sont  filmis  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  er>  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  una  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaTtra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  — ^  signifie  "A  SUIVRi:",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
filmds  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffArents. 
Lorsque  ie  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atra 
reprodult  en  un  soul  clichA,  il  est  filmA  A  partir 
de  Tangle  supArleur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombra 
d'irnages  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


""  IIIM 

ii  m 

JLi,     „, 

12.5 
2.2 

S    1^        2.0 

auuu 

1.8 

1.4 

1.6 

==: 

MICROCOPY  RESOLUTION  TEST  CHART 

NATIONAL  BUREAU  OF  STANDARDS 

STANDARD  REFERENCE  MATERIAL  1010a 

(ANSI  and  ISO  TEST  CHART  No  2) 


V:„.      ; 


GOLD  DUST 


BY 


EMELINE  DAGGETT  HARVEY 


CHICAC.O 

CHARLES  H    SEUCiEl.  AND  COMPANY 

189a 


HP^pPi^ 


COI'YKIUHT,     1892, 

Hy  Kmki.ink  Daggett  Harvbv. 


O. 


'<Le' 


GOLD  DUST 


CHAPTER  I 

"Gold!  Gold!  Gold!  Gold! 
Bright  and  yellow,  hard  and  cold, 
How  wide  its  agencies  vary, 
To  save,  to  ruin,  to  curse,  to  bless. — Hood. 

"Saint-seducing  gold,  "—Shakespeare. 

In  a  quiet,  old-faslo  ed  house  in  the  suburbs  of 
Toronto  on  a  late  spring  afternoon  in  187—,  three  girls 
sat  busily  sewing,  and,  after  the  fashion  of  girls,  chat- 
ting in  a  lively  manner. 

Nettie,  the  oldest,  was  of  medium  height,  square  in 
build  and  plain  in  features,  with  light  brown  haix,  and 
light  blue  eyes.  Helen,  a  tall  girl  of  twenty,  had  the 
same  light  brown  hair,  but  her  eyes  were  a  fine  hazel- 
gray,  large  and  friendly,  honest,  womanly  eyes,  that 
helped  to  inspire  courage  and  patience  in  all  so  fortu- 
nate as  to  meet  their  honest  glance. 

Laura,  the  youngest,  was  a  slender,  graceful  girl  of 
seventeen,  perfect  in  form  and  feature,  with  great 
liquid  gray  eyes,  heavy  masses  of  golden  hair  which 
she  persisted  in  loosely  massing  about  her  small  shapely 
head;  in  disposition  gay,  laughing,  mischief-loving, 
coquettish,  but  intentionally  true. 


"Vi. 


mmmmmmmmmim 


m»w 


GOLB  DUST 


The  sisters  possessed  no  marked  intellectual  endow- 
ments, but  were  fair  types  of  the  average  English  girl 
of  the  middle  class. 

QV  Mr.  Bassett  was  English  by  birth,  but  having 
been  brought  up  in  the  New  England  States  of  Amer- 
ica, had  acquired  the  "down  east"  vernacular.  He  had 
returned  to  England  when  a  young  man  and  had  there 
married  an  English  woman.  When  his  youngest  daugh- 
ter was  thirteen  he  had  settled  in  Toronto,  where  they 
had  since  enjoyed  a  quiet,  homelike  life  upon  the  old 
farm  in  the  suburbs  of  the  city. 

They  kept  no  servants,  Helen  and  Nettie  assisting 
their  mother  about  the  house  and  dairy,  with  such 
small  tasks  as  could  be  e:cpected  from  their  youngest 
sister  when  she  was  in  a  "workish"  mood. 

Eben  Bassett  was  yet  hale  and  hearty,  and  able  to 
oversee  his  small  farm,  which  yielded  a  good  support; 
but  they  occasionally  took  a  couple  of  boarders  to  "help 
out  in  the  matter  of  dry  goods  for  the  women  folks." 

The  girls  seemed  this  afternoon  to  be  in  a  state  of 
expectancy.  Nettie  in  her  slow  fashion,  sat  swaying 
back  and  forth  in  her  rocking  chair ;  Helen  sat  bolt 
upright  and  deftly  plied  her  needle  in  a  swift  business- 
like way  as  if  to  indicate  plainly  that  her  work  was  of 
more  importance  than  any  expected  guests  ;  and  Laura 
every  now  and  then  flung  her  work  down  to  run  to  the 
window  or  out  upon  thr  porch  that  ran  around  the  front 
and  sides  of  the  pleasant  old  house,  and  looked  out 
from  under  shading  hands  at  the  long,  winding  road 
that  glistened  white  in  the  afternoon  sunlight. 

"Laura,  you  foolish  girl,  don't  you  know  a  'watched 
pot  ever  boils?'"  asked  Helen  in  a  tone  of  gentle  re- 
buke. 

"O,  they're  sure  to  come,  and  I  mean  to  see  them 
jirst.     I  want    to    see    how  they  look.     Papi   says  the 


GOLD  DUST  7 

li«ht  one  is  handsome.  Allan  I  think  he  called  him," 
and  Laura  dropped  upon  the  doorstep,  and  called  to 
her  big  dog  '..no  came  bounding  upon  the  porch. 

"I  wouldn't  spend   so   much   time   looking    for  'em: 
they'd  be  sure  to  come  just  as  soon,  and  your  curiosity 
will  keep;  its  of  amazing  vigor  and  will  last  some  time 
yet  "  said  Nettie  in   her  drawling  voice,  while  casting 
a  slanting  look  at  her  young  sister  as  she  half  reclined 
upon  the  doorstep  alternately  petting  and  teasing  San- 
cho.     Nettie  noticed,  too,  with  a  twinge  of  pardonable 
envy  how  fair  the  girl  was  even  to  her  eyes  and  thought 
how  much  more  so  she  must  appear  in  the  eyes  of  others 
"My  curiosity  is  very  frank,  and  free  to  express  itself," 
returned  Laura  with  a  meriy  laugh,  "and  your    frank- 
ness is  as  curious  and  free  of  expression,"  adding  after 
a  pause:  "I'm  not  afraid  to  see  and  be  seen,"  and  she 
gave  another  laugh  that  had  a  saucy  fling  in  its  silvery 

tones. 

"True,  and  sometimes  I  am,  especially  after  a  long 
tiresome  day's  work,  and,  then,  I  have  never  learned 
to  sit  and  stand  in  the  same  way  you  can  ;  it's  not  nat- 
ural, I  s'pose,"  and  Nettie  looked  a  shade  quieter  as 
she  administered  the  slow  rebuke. 

"O,  I  didn't  mean  that,  you  know  I  didn't,"  and  she 
gave  'the  great  head  of  her  dog  a  pat  that  elicted  another 
doting  look  from  his  gentle  eyes. 

"But  you  can  help  from  making   poinded  remarks, 
quietly  put  in  Helen,  as  she  cast  a  quick  look  at  Net- 
tie's sombre  face. 

"There,  Sancho,  we're  in  disgrace  again.  Let's  hie 
us  to  the  woods  away,"  and  seizing  her  sun-hat  before 
Helen  could  offer  a  remonstrance,  she  bounded  down 
through  the  wicket  gate,  and  accompanied  by  her  dog, 
was  soon  lost  to  sight. 

"She's  only  a  child,  you   mustn't  mind  her,  Nettie ; 


IBM 


8 


GOLD  DUST 


"I  know  she's  thoughtless,"  said  Helen,  as  she  watched 
the  flying  figure  of  her  sister  almost  enveloped  in  a 
cload  of  gold-brown  hair  that  glistened  in  the  strong 
sunlight,  as  Laura  disappeared  in  the  forest  which 
skirted  the  estate  on  the  vest  side.  "She's  only  a 
child,  Nettie." 

"She's  old  enough  to  know  her  advantages  and  make 
much  of  them  ;  and  she's  vain  of  her  pretty  face,  too," 
answered  Nettie  in  a  constrained  voice  as  she  snipped 
off  her  seam  and  re-threaded  her  needle. 

"Ever  so  young  a  child  knows  if  she's  pretty  in  the 
glass,  and  Laura  has  been  flattered  all  her  life.  Strange 
if  she  don't  know  and  believe  some  of  the  things  said 

to  her." 

"But  she's  such  a  flirt;  you  know  it  as  well  as  I  do, 
Helen.  She'll  bring  up  in  some  strange  manner  I'm 
sure;  pride  always  has  a  fall,"  with  which  doleful  pro- 
phecy Nettie  left  the  room,  followed  by  the  wistful 
glance  of  her  sister  Helen. 

Helen  was  her  mother's  "right  hand,"  and  very  relia- 
ble and  faithful  she  had  found  her  at  all  times.  She 
was  so  strong  and  womanly,  this  girl  of  twenty,  that 
she  was  invariably  taken  to  be  the  oldest  of  the  girls. 

"But  who's  that  coming,  I  wonder!  only  one,  so  I 
guess  he's  not  one  of  the  boarders.  What  a  young 
f^iant  to  be  sure!"  Helen  had  a  habit  of  talking  to 
herself  sometimes,  a  paternal  inheritance. 

Out  nt^ar  the  gate  stood  a  young  man  shading  his 
eyes  with  one  hand,  while  in  the  other  lie  carried  a  soft 
felt  hat.  He  was  looking  down  the  road  as  though 
waiting  for  some  one.  He  stood  thus  for  several  min- 
utes—long enough  for  Helen  to  get  a  good  look  at  him. 
Then  closing  the  gate  came  with  a  heavy,  cruncliing 
step  uji  the  gravel  walk,  v/histling  softly  to  himself 
until   liy  got  up  the    stcjps.     He  again    heeitated    and 


GOLD  DUST 


looked  down  the  road.  No  one  appeared  in  sight,  and 
he  turned  impatiently  and  knocked  at  the  door. 

Helen  met  him  with  a  cool  bow  and  look  of  inquiry. 

"I'm  Robert  Morton,"  said  he  by  way  of  explana- 
tion "I  'ad  to  come  alone;  my  cousin's  hoff  in  them 
woods  yonder,     'ere's  where   I  believe  we're  going  to 

''•'Liverpool  English,"  said  L  into  herself.  "You 
are  quite  welcome,  Mr.  Morton.  Will  you  come  in? 
My  mother  is  away  visiting  to  day,  but  I'll  call  father 
if  you'll  excuse  me,"  giving  him  a  chair  in  the  mean- 

'''"no  'urry,  I  can  wait  a  spell.  My  cousin  will  be  'ere 
soon.  He  took  for  them  pine  trees  V^^^er,"  pointing 
to  the  forest.  Helen  resumed  her  sewing  and  Robert 
Morton  watched  her  busy  hands,  wondering  if  this  was 
the  beauty  he  had  heard  about  down  at  the  hotel  j  be- 
lieving  that  he  "'ad  seen  a  due  sight  'andsomer,  but 
thought  it  would  be  a  nice  place  to  board. 

They  chatted  for  some  moments.  Helen  occasionally 
making  a  remark  in  her  quiet  womanly  way  that  left  no 
Opportunity  for  the  joke  or  banter  that  glittered  in  his 
eves.     She  thought   them   a  handsome  but  very  bold 
pair  of  eyes.     She  decided  he  might  do  for  a  boarder 
with  a  great  deal  of  watching ;  but  he'd  be  calling  her 
'"elen"  in  his  utter  disregard  of  her   favorite  first   ini- 
tial,  which  transformed  the  most  commonplace  into  the 
queenliest  name  in   the  world.     Helen  loved  her  name 
and  would    permit    no   nick-naming,  and   this    young 
Kiant"  who  informed  her  in  such  a  patronizing  way  that 
he   had  "just  come   from    Hengland,  but  'ad   lived   in 
Toronto  before  and  knew  all  about  the   place,    would 
no  doubt,  be  calling   her  Nell,  too,  if  he  dared,  at  the 
bare  thought  of  which  her  head  lifted  a  trifle  higher. 
"I'll  call  father  if  you'll  excuse  me,"  she  said  hnaliy, 


10 


GOLD  DUST 


"and  let  him  taking  an  inventory  of  tlie  room  and  its 
furnishings."  Soon  after  he  stepped  out  upon  the  porch 
to  sweep  with  those  strong  young  eyes  of  his  the  broad 
acres  that  surrounded  the  house.  He  had  gathered  a 
little  gratuitous  information  on  his  way  when  he  had 
pleasantly  asked  a  loquacious  farmer  the  way  to  his 
new  boarding-house.  Whatever  he  had  heard  gave  new 
zest  to  his  plans.  If  there  was  money  in  the  Bassett 
family  they  were  of  considerable  interest  to  him. 

"It" is  a  pleasant  place,"  he  said  to  himself,  just  as 
Helen  again   appeared    to  inform    him  of   her   father's 

arrival. 

A  friendly  greeting  was  exchanged,  and  they  sat  down 
on  the  porch,  while  Helen  went  inside  to  look  after  the 
supper,  for  the  afternoon  had  waned  until  it  was  nearly 

five  o'clock. 

"We'll  have  supper  before  the  hands  eat,"  said  Helen 
to  Nettie  as  she  went  about  preparing  the  evening  meal 
for  the  strangers.     "How  do  you  like  him?" 

"He's  a  good  natured   looking   sort   of   fellow,"  said 

Nettie  slowly. 

"O  yes,  but  there's  mischief  in  the  twinkle  of  his 
black  eyes,  and  the  English  H!"  and  Helen  flung  the 
potatoes  into  the  oven  with  decision.  Evidently  some- 
thing  had  gone  wrong  with  Helen. 

"I  wish  Laura  would  be  on  hand  when  she's  wanted," 
was  Helen's  irrcvclant  answer,  "like's  not  she's  on  the 
other  side  of  the  forest  by  this  time.  She  ought  to 
know  that  I've  plenty  to  do  this  evening,  though  to 
be  sure  two  more  don't  make  much  difference.  Yes, 
you  may  help  ;  set  the  table.  I'm  glad  to  get  that  much 
assistance  about  supper,ap.  Nettie  in  a  mystified  voice 
offered  her  services  in  the  preparation  of  the  evening 
meal.     So   they  busied    themselves  while   Mr.  Bassett 


Roburt 


ni 


GOLD  DUST 


II 


"Supper's   ready,  father.-  at   last   said   Helen,  never 
noticing  the  young  man  who  sat  there  looking  so_  care- 
less,  and  with  so  much  of  the  "auld  acquaintance    man- 
ner in  his  talk.     But  realizing  that  in  her  mother  s  ab- 
sence she  must  do  the  honors  of  hostess,  she  said  : 
"Shall  we  wait  for  your  cousin,  Mr.  Morton? 
"O    no  'e'll  be  'ere  soon  no  doubt,"  answered  young 
Morton,  looking  oft  down  the  road  to  find  confirmation 

of  his  statement. 

"I  think,  perhaps,  we  had  better  eat  supper  now  before 
the  work  hands  come  in,  for  to-night  you  are  probably 
hungry,  and  it  will  make  a  late  supper  lor  trave  ers  to 
wait  till  after  they  have  eaten,"  and  Helen  again  looked 
persistently  at  her  father. 

"All  right,  if  you  say  so,Helen,"  answered  her  father. 
Robert  Morton  wondered  what  made  the  old  man  take 
off  his  hat  when    Helen  came  out  on  the   porch  to  an- 
nounce supper.     He  had  sat  there  on  that  step  for  three- 
quarters  of  an  hour  with  that  old  hat  on  his  head. 

"Helen,  where's  Laura?"  asked  her  father  as  he  dis- 
covered  her  vacant  place  so  near  his  own  at  table 

"O,  she's  gone  for   a  walk  as  usual;   she  11   be  back 
Boon,"  quietly  answered  his  daughter  giving   him  his 

'%trange  how  much  that  girl  likes  to  walk  in  the 
woods."  he  answered  with  sly  humor.  "Girls  always 
do  like  to  stray  oft  by  themselves,  but  they  always  find 
somethin'  to  chatter  to  if  it's  nothin'  more  than  birds 
•nd  squirrels,"  and  he  chuckled  at  his  own  remarkable 

penetration.  , 

"In   this   case,  I  shouldn't  wonder   if   she  finds   my 

cousin,  or  'e  will  find  '«  .    for  'e  started  hoff  in  that  d.rcc 

tion  and  left  me  to  fr,.a  my  way  alone."  answered  Ivob- 

ert  looking  at  Helen,  but  appreciating  his  host's  humor 

A  little  later,  up  the  walk  came  leisurely  the  subject 


j2  GOLD  DUST 

of  their  conversation  accompanied  by  a  young  gentle- 
man with  whom  she  was  chatting  in  a  lively  manner. 
She  was  always  full  of  life  and  gayety,  and  just  now  her 
eyes  danced  and    her  cheeks  glowed    in  a  dangerously 

bewitching  manner.  _         ,       .       i 

The  winds  swept  her  blonde  tresses  against  the  shoul- 
der of  her  companion  in  a  way  that  would  have  made 
Helen  raise  her  eyes.  But  Helen  did  not  see,  and 
the  winds  played  their  mad  pranks  in  utter  disregard 
of  the  fair  hands  that  vainly  tried  to  confine  the  golden 

cloud. 

"I  think  I'll  have  to  take  the  other  side  of  the  street, 
laughed  Laura  as  she  stepped  away  from  his  side;  she 
saw  that   she  was  getting    near  home,  and    Helen    and 
Nettie  would  surely  be  looking  for  her.^    She  must  not 
be  seen  walking  so  near  the  "fair  one." 

"Let  me  sec,  you  said  your  name  was  what?  Oh— 
Allan,  then  you  are  the  fair  one,  but,"  with  a  coquettish 
toss  of  the  head,  "why  don't  people  let  us  judge  for  our- 

selves?" 

"Why?"  asked  her  companion  in   smiling  curiosity. 

"Saves  disappointment,"  coolly  answered  the  young 
girl,  with  which  frank  explanation  she  whistled  to  San- 
cho,'  and  fleetly  ran  up  the  walk  to  the  gate,  and  into 
the  front  door  where  she  was  met  by  Helen  who  asked 
about  the  stranger. 

"O,  he's  the    fair  one,"  answered    Laura    trying    to 

look  serenely  cool. 

The  young  man  was  now  at  the  door  where  he  was 
welcomed  by  Helen  and  her  father,  and  soon  they  were, 
with  the  exception  of  Laura,  all  seated  at  supper.  She 
surprised  them  by  refusing  to  appear  at  the  table  with 

the  family. 

Tiie  evening  meal  was  finished  and  the  two  young 
men  with  their  host  were  seated  out  upon  the   pofch. 


GOLD  DUST 


13 


Nettie  and  Helen  were   p;iving   the   farm   hands   their 
supper,  and  Laura  was  eating  off  the  kitchen  table.   ^ 
"I  don't  want  to  see    them  again   to-night.      I  don't 
like  either  of  them,"  said  Laura  in  reply  to  her  sister's 
amazing  inquiry  at  her  strange  whim.  . ,    „  , 

"AH  right,  I  think  it  is  just  as  well,"  said  Helen 
humoring  her  sister's  mood.  "I  hope  we  will  always 
be  of  that  opinion,  and  not  forget  that  we  are  taking 
boarders  for  money,  and  not  to  get  us  beaux  and  hus- 
bands." 

"You  needn't  count  me  in  your  virtuous  plans,  Helen, 
for  I  won't  be  bound  by  any  promises,"  said  Nettie  with 
a  lazy  laugh.  "Catch  as  catch  can,"  is  a  better  policy. 
Laura  will   think   so  by  to-morrow,  too,  with   her  next 

mood."  .  , 

So  they  laughed  and  chatted  until  the  evening  s  work 
was  done,  while  their  father  was  showing  the  cousins 
ovrer  the  farm  and  about  the  stables  and  gardens.  Then 
as  their  trunks  had  arrived  the  young  men  were  shown 
to  their  room  by  their  host,  who,  with  an  odd  laugh, 
assured  them  they  could  come  down  in  the  sitting-, 
room  when  they  got  tired  of  their  own  company. 

The  house  was  a  square,  old-fashioned  structure, 
with  four  rooms  below,  divided  by  a  wide  hall  that 
extended  through  the  entire  length,  on  the  right  of 
which  was  the  parlor  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  T3assctt's  bed- 
room;  on  the  left,  the  sitting  room  and  dining-room  ;  a 
kitchen  was  tacked  on  to  the  rear  of  the  house  with  a 
door  opening  into  the  dining-room 

The  rooms  above  were  all  chambers,  planned  in  much 
the  same  wiy.  The  room  over  the  parlor  was  given  to 
the  cousins;  that  over  the  sitting-room  was  a  guest 
room  ;  the  girls,  Helen  and  Nettie,  had  the  one  over 
the  dining  room,  and  Laura  occupied  the  one  over  her 
parenty. 


H 


GOLD  DUST 


As  the  cousins  were  left  in  their  room  by  their  host, 
earh  took  a  hasty  survey  of  tlieir  surroundings  for  very 
different  purposes.  Robert  estimated  the  money  value 
of  everything,  admired  the  luxurious  look  of  the  clean, 
white  bed,  but  did  not  see  the  vase  of  flowers  upon  the 
table.  Allan  threw  down  his  satchel,  stepped  to  the 
table  and  sniffed  of  the  flowers,  appropriating  the  sweet- 
ness, then  quickly  strode  to  the  window  and  swept  the 
lovely  view  below  and  beyond,  with  those  keen,  appre- 
ciative eves,  and  saw  all  that  nature  offered  of  beauti- 
ful gardens  and  fields,  green  hills  and  shadowy  vales, 
and  more,  saw  down  among  the  flowers  the  same  glim- 
mer of  gold  that  had  caught  his  fancy  down  in  the 
forest,  and  wondered  if  he  dare  go  down. 

"I've  an  idea, Bob,  "said  he  to  his  cousin  as  he  turned 
from  the  window.  "Better  keep  it;  may  not  'ave  an- 
other in  a  life  time,"  answered  Bob  with  a  jolly  laugh. 

■'AH  right;  it's  safest  I  guess,"  answered  Allan  a  lit- 
tle nettled  at  his  cousin's  rude  wit. 

"Well  if  hit's  dangerous  you'd  better  let  me  'elp  you 
take  care  of  it,  old  fellow,"  said  Robert  thinking  better 
of  the  proposal  and  critically  eyeing  the  white  bed. 

"Oh  no,  going  to  keep  it,"  answered  his  cousin,  "ideas 
are  scarce.  You  wouldn't  appreciate  such  a  stranger 
if  it  was  given  you,  at  which  they  both  laughed  in  a 
constr.'iined  mirthless  way. 

"Let's  change  the  subject,  Al.     'ow  do  you  like  the 

fair  'elen?" 

"I  like  Miss  Bassett  very  well.  She  seems  a  very 
superior  girl.  And  let  me  caution  you,  if  you  don't 
mind,  to  call  her  Miss  Bassett ;  she's  not  one  to  toler- 
ate familiarity  from   a-    ■  one  in  ever  so  small    a  way." 

"I  guess  I'm  not  such  a  muff  as  not  to  know  ahe's 
severnlv  prim.  Guess  I  know  enough  for  that,"  an- 
swered Robert  savagely,  rising  to  leave  the  room. 


t    M 


GOLD  DUST 


15 


"What,  are  you  going  down  in  that  rig?"  asked  Allan 
amazed  at  his  cousin's  unconcern  about  his  dress.    They 
had  not  been  able  to  change  their  dusty  clothing  before 
supper,  but  a  good  wash    and   a  vigorous    brushing  at 
the  hotel,  had  made  them  in  some  manner  presentable, 
as  under  the  circumstances  it  was   all   they  could  do. 
After  their  trunks  had   arrived  Allan  was  soon   diving 
into  his  for  a  complete  change.     He  saw  with  disgust 
and  dismay  that  his  cousin  was  descending  to  the  par- 
lor in  his  traveling  suit.  ^ 
"Why,  what's  the    matter  with    my  clothes?     Don  t 
suppose    I'm   going    to  dress  up  for  that  old  fogy  and 
his  country  girls,  do  you?" 

"All  right,"  said  Allan,  you  can  do  as  you  like.  1  ll 
be  down  presently;  don't  wait.  I'm  going  to  get  rid 
of  these  dirty  clothes  before  I  appear  in  the  presence 
of  ladies  in  their  parlor." 

"Shall  I  warn  them  to  brace  up  for  a  big  show? 
S'pose  you'll  be  on  dress  parade,"  said  Robert  with  a 
sneering  laugh.  _ 

"Tell  them  nothing.     I  may  not  be  down,    answered 

Allan. 

Robert  descended   to  the   parlor  where   he   met   his 

host  and  the  two  elder  Misses  Bassett. 

"Where  is  your  sister?  Shan't  we  see  'er  this  even- 
ing?" ht3  asked  of  Helen. 

"Slie  don't  care  to  come  down  and  we  let  her  have 
her  own  way,"  answered    Helen,  giving   him   a  seat  at 

the  other  side  of  the  room. 

They  were  chatting  in  a  pleasant  manner  when  Allan 
made   his  apper.rance.     The   young    man  was  very  be- 
comingly  dressed  in  a  light  evening  suit,  a   fashion  o 
the  times,  that  sot  off  his  Hne  figure  to  advantage  and 
transformed  him  into  a  well  dressed  gentkMuan. 

"■\x\v'\  to  .luike  nie  tret    myself   hup  too,"  said  Rob- 


^aoiMMa*""***^- 


i6 


GOLD  DUST 


11 


ert  "but   I  thought  vou'd  appreciate  my  company  just 
as  well  has  I  am,  so  I  didn't  take  the  trouble." 

It's  not  very  troublesome  to  be  cleanly,"  coolly  an- 
swered his  cousin,  evidently  annoyed  by  the  attention 
his  cousin  had  drawn  upon  him. 

"Al  is  always  too  dudish  for  me.  One  suit  of  clothes 
is  enough  for  a  man,  '1  ss  'e  works  in  the  gutter.  Costs 
too  much.  Hif  a  man  ever  expects  to  be  worth  any- 
thing 'e  can't  spend  'alf  'e  earns  on  clothes ;  hain't  that 
so,  Miss  Bassett?"  said  Robert  again  turning  to  Helen. 
"It  depends  upon  the  amount  of  his  income,"  she 
quietly  answered  without  raising  her  eyes. 

"Well,  I  get  $4.00  per  day,  hand  I  don't  spend  more'n 
'alf  a  month's  wages  in  a  year  for  clothes.  Guess  I 
look  well  enough,"  again  looking  complacently  at  Hel- 
en. 

"I  suppose  tastes  differ,"  answered  she  in  a  con- 
strained voice,  and  wishing  to  change  the  conversation 
which  evidently  annoyed  Allan,  who  had  been  a  silent 
listener,  as  it  did  not  suit  him  to  discuss  his  clothing 
before  strangers.  There  was  a  sense  of  indelicacy,  of 
coarseness  about  the  matter  which  grated  upon  Allan's 
sensitive  nerves,  and  which  made  him  recoil  as  though 
he  had  been  brought  in  contact  with  some  vile  thing. 
It  was  this  very  freedom  of  Robert's  in  word,  and 
look,  and  manner  that  made  Allan  sometimes  detest 
him.  Were  it  not  that  he  was  alone,  but  for  Robert, 
and  that  he  felt  after  all,  the  force  of  the  old  saying 
"blood  is  thicker   than  water,"  he  would  have  left  him 

long  ago. 

But  Robert  soon  became  interested  in  his  pet  theme, 
money  making,  his  own  plans  and  prospects,  his  likes 
and  dislikes.  Allan  entertained  the  young  women  with 
an  account  of  his  ocean  voyage  and  other  subjects 
more  suited  to  their  tastes,     dradually  Nettie  became 


GOLD  DUST 


17 


interested  in  the  conversation  between  Robert  and  her 
father,  leaving  Helen  and  Allan  to  themselves. 

Mr.  Bassett  smoked,  as  did  Robert,  who  boasted  to 
Nettie  that  he  had  used  tobacco  in  every  form  since  he 
was  eight  years  old ;  he  gladly  followed  his  host  out 
on  the  porch  to  enjoy  a  smoke. 

"Now  Al  don't  smoke,  even,  oh!  'e's  a  dandy!  says 
tobacco'll  spoil  a  man's  'ealth  and  make  'is  breath  bad 
and  fill  'is  'air  and  clothes  with  its  scent.  Calls  it  a 
vile  'abit  too.  Oh!  'e's  well  enough  in  most  things," 
said  Robert  confidentially  to  his  companion,  between 
whiffs,  "'e's  hall  right,  but  'e's  too  fine  for  'ard  work 
or  money- making,  hand  I  tell  you,  money  will  tell  every 
time.  Allan  never'll  be  worth  much,  but  'e's  good 
'nough;  halways  takes  with  the  girls  a  sight  better'n  I 
do.  But  'e's  no  cub,  'e's  a  brave  fellow  ;  got  lots  of 
dash  and  spirit,  brave  as  a  lion  if  'e  is  my  cousin  ;  that's 
what  takes  with  the  women  ;  they  all  like  'im." 

Mr.  Bassett  chuckled  to  himself  and  listened,  and 
smoked,  stroking  his  hair  in  a  slow,  meditative  mood, 
squinting  up  his  little  light  blue  eyes  until  there  was 
only  a  slight  line  of  lash  and  brow,  so  closely  joined 
that  they  were  practically  one,  and  emitting  whiff  after 
whiff  in  rapid  succession  as  Robert  continued  his  sub- 
ject with,  "They  all  like  'im,"  at  which  he  nodded  his 
head  sagaciously  toward  the  subject  of  conversation 
and  Helen. 

"Strange,"  said  Mr.  Bassett  wisely,  "how  different 
whole  families  take.  Now,  Helen  soars  dreadfully 
high,  and  Nettie  likes  money,  just  suit  you.  But 
Laura,  you  haven't  seen  my  little  girl  yet;  well,  the 
fact  is  she's  the  baby  and  we  'n  always  let  h<  -  have 
her  own  way  and  pet  her  a  good  bit.  She's  got  an 
tinconimon  good  voice,  plays  pretty  fair,  and  has  such 
purrin',  kitteny  ways,  till    all  on    a  sudden  she'll  skip 


i8 


GOLD  DUST 


away  off  t'  the  woods,  'er  up  in  the  loft  o'  the  barn,   'er 

some  sich  place — just  to  be  alone.     Girls  hez  sech  queer 

notions  anyway,  'tain't   gi'en  us  to  r.  iderstand.     But, 

somehow  she  seems  to   brighten   the  old   house   better 

than  th'  rest;  makes  things  kind  of  restful  like.     When 

I  come  from  work  to  hear  her  at  the  pianner  a  playin' 

and  a  singin',  or  to  see  her  out  there  'mong  them  flowers 

o'hern  with  her  pretty  face  outshining  the  prettiest  posy 

there,  or  lying  with  her  head   on  her  big  dog  Sancho. 

Seen    that  dog  o'hern?     Why  that   dog   is  just   like  a 

big  watchman ;  takes  just  as  good  care  o'  her  ez  I  could. " 

Robert  had  talked    of  business,  his   pet   hobby,  and 

according  to  the  law,  "from  tlie  abundance  of  the  heart 

the  lips  speaketh"  old  Mr.  Bassett  was  giving    of   the 

abundance  that   filled  "his  own  heart."     Robert   could 

see  that  the  youngest  was  her  father's  idol. 

"Who's  she  like  hany  way?     She  don't  take  after  you 
does  she?" 

"Ho,  ho!    no,    she   don't  look   like  me,  sartin   sure. 

"Oh,  no!"  chuckled  the  old  man,  "No,  she  ain't  much 
like  me,  that's  a  fact.  Helen  is  like  her  mother,  only 
a  little  more  so,  'nd  Nettie's  more  like  me  ;  but  Laura, 
well  she  favors  a  sister  o'  mine  that  I  set  a  great  store 
by.  We  was  alius  great  chums  'nd  that  little  girl  of 
mine  is  the  Hvin'  image  o'  lier — my  sister  Jenny.  Guess 
that's  why  I  want  to  have  'er  'round  when  I  come 
home.  She's  not  much  on  the  work,  though  she  kin 
do  her  share,  she's  too  little  'nd  kittenish  fer  to  be  of 
much  use  in  the  kitchen.  But  she's  alius  a  dustin' 
and  a  trimmin'  up  things,  and  puttin'  vases  o'  flowers 
round  on  the  mantle  piece  and  tables  'nd  bureaus. 
Guess  the  Lord  makes  some  folks  just  to  trim  the 
mantles  'nd  bureaus  'nd  tables  with  flowers,"  and  Mr. 
Bassett  took  off  his  hat  solemnly^  and  laid  his  old  clay 
pipe  down  as  though  in  silent  protest  against  the  incon- 


GOLD  DUS2' 


19 


gruity  of  nis  subject  and  his  occupation.  "Yes,  that's 
what  the  Lord  makes  some  folks  for,  to  fill  the  vases 
on  our  tables  with  flowers,  'nd  my  little  girl  is  one  of 
that  kind.  ' 

Robert  Morton  was  silent  a-  the  old  man  concluded 
his  talk,  that  was  half  conversation,  half  soliloquy.  Per- 
haps the  subject  was  beyond  him.  The  beauty  and 
poetry  of  the  sentiment  he  could  not  appreciate.  The 
pearls  were  pure  and  abundant,  but  they  fell  in  palms 
all  yellow  with  the  glimmer  of  gold.  Oh,  the  pity  of 
it!  The  glimmer  of  gold  filled  the  eyes  of  Robert 
Morton,  and  its  clink  was  his  sweetest  music.  He  be- 
lieved money  would  buy  Heaven  and  earth.  He  had 
yet  to  learn  that  Heaven  and  hell  are  not  purchased 
by  the  same  "convertible  goods." 

"Guess  I'll  go  into  the  house  and  hear  the  singing," 
said  he,  as  voices  were  wafted  out  through  an  open 
window. 

The  old  man  followed  hip  guest  in  a  silent  shame- 
faced way,  realizing  by  Robert's  unresponsiveness  a 
lack  of  sympathy  in  tastes,  and  mentally  calling  him- 
self an  old  fool  for  talking  to  "sech  young  sprouts  'bout 
flowers. " 

They  found  Laura  seated  at  the  piano  and  Allan 
turning  the  leaves  of  her  music.  Their  voices  blended 
in  perfect  accord  as  song  after  song  was  tried,  until  a 
late  hour  when  the  candles  were  brought,  and  the  old 
house  was  silent. 

Our  young  men  w  re  interesting  characters  each  in 
their  own  way.  Robert's  mother  was  a  Scotchwoman. 
His  father,  an  Englishman,  had  married  her  in  Canada, 
and  when  Robert  the  only  child  was  ten  years  old,  they 
removed  to  England,  where  Allan's  mother  and  father 
resided  with  tlieir  only  son.  There  the  boys'  educa- 
tion was   begun  with    a  view  to   professions  for   both. 


Mm 


20  GOLD  DUST 

But  one  after  the  other  of  the  parents  had  died  until, 
when  but  a  few  weeks  before  leaving  England,  and 
just  after  Allan  had  attained  his  majority,  and  when 
Robet  was  but  twenty,  their  last  relative,  Allan's  father 
was  laid  to  rest  in  the  English  church-yard  by  the  side 
of  the  others.  The  two  cousins  now  stood  alone  with 
no  very  near  kindred,  none  upon  whom  they  had,  c-r 
cared  to  have  any  claim,  and  with  the  spirit  of  adven- 
ture, and  energy  quickening  their  blood,  they  bade 
good-bye  to  England,  to  land  after  a  short  ocean  voy- 
age upon  America's  hospitable,  but  untried  shores. 

Through  some  feeling  of  curiosity  to  see  his  native 
town,  Robert  induced  his  cousin  to  accompany  him  to 
Toronto.  Thus  it  was  that  they  were  received  into 
the  Bassett  family. 

Allan  had  grown  up  like  his  father  a  tall,  well  built, 
soldierly  man;  like  his  mother,  blonde  and  handsome, 
receiving  from  both  parents  a  goodly  heritage,  refine- 
ment, large  heartedness,  love  of  music,  flower^  and 
nature  generally,  all  things  ennobling.  On  his  iathcr'Si 
side  the  pride  of  a  long  line  of  soldiers  whose  Loasl 
was  upon  their  escutcheon.  All  their  sons  are  brave 
and  true.     All  their  daughters  fair  and  pure. 

R  ^'ert  was  dark,  square  built  and  compacv;  keen 
darJr  c.  Ma'-k  eyes  and  dark  hair  ;  in  disposition  quick, 
goniD',  i  -oulsivv,  selfish  like  his  English  father;  from 
his  Sro  c'-  moi,her  he  "iherited  a  firm  belief  in  the 
power  of  goid,  also  her  square  well  knit  form  and  col- 
oring. The  gentle  traits  in  Allan's  nature  sometimes 
made  him  seem  weak  and  vacilating  before  the  strong 
currents  of  his  cousin's  impulsive  and  domineering  will, 
and  it  was  for  that  reason  he  had  accompanied  him 
to  Toronto. 

Robert  had  spent  a  large  share  of  his  time  after  he 
was  fifteen  with  machinists,  having    learned    the    iron 


GOLD  DUST 


21 


■nolder's  trade,  in  which,  being  quick,  at  twenty  he 
was  an  expert.  Having  brought  references  with  him 
from  England,  he  was  able  to  get  a  good  situation 
immediately. 

With  Allan  it  was  very  different.  Half  soldier,  half 
student,  or  gentleman  of  leisure,  he  had  applied  himself 
to  no  one  thing,  so  that  his  services,  no  matter  how 
faihfully  discharged  were  not  so  appreciable,  I  might 
say  marketable,  and  his  salary,  when  he  obtained  one, 
was  proportionately  small.  Though  he  was  much  more 
prepossessing  in  manners,  looks  and  conversation,  yet 
among  business  men  he  suffered  by  comparison  with 
his  cousin. 

Young  and  inexperienced,  it  had  not  taken  them 
long  to  use   up  the    little   left  them    by  Allan's  father. 

Indeed,  Robert  had  nothing  of  his  own,  but  could 
earn  wages.  Now  that  Allan's  money  was  gone,  after 
reaching  Toronto  they  found  work  before  looking  about 
for  a  boarding  place.  Their  work  was  not  far  distant 
from  the  Bassett  farm,  and  wishing  above  all  things  to 
secure  the  comforts  of  a  quiet  home,  they  had  there 
obtained  board  through  a  family  by  the  name  of  War- 
ren, who  were  old  friends  of  the  Bassetts. 


CHAPTER  H 


RIVALS 

We  will  pass  rapidly  over  the  ensuing  year.  Allan 
and  Robert  had  remained  in  the  family  of  Eben  Bas- 
sett. Allan  had  become  a  general  favorite  with  the 
ladies  of  his  acquaintance.  He  had  been  sensible  from 
the  first,  that  a  poor  vonnL^  clerk  could  not  look  fnr 
attention  or  recognition  among  the  first  families  of 
Toronto;  so,  being  lonely  and    rather  fond    of   society 


33 


GOLD  DUST 


naturally,  he  soon  became  a  recognized  favorite  of  a 
large  circle  of  well-to-do  middle  class  people;  and  while 
\-  laughed  and  danced,  sang  and  flirted  mildly,  with 
ail,  it  soon  became  evident  that  for  the  youngest  daugh- 
ter of  his  host  he  had  a  very  decided  preference  which, 
as  the  months  had  passed,  strengthened  into  something 
more  than  friendship.  Nor  was  it  fruitless,  for  the  inter- 
est was  reciprocated  by  the  fair  young  girl. 

But  Allan  had  a  dangerous  and  persistent  rival  in 
his  cousin  Robert.  Nettie  by  this  time  cherished  a 
strong  love  for  Robert  of  which  he  was  well  aware,  but 
which  he  did  not  appreciate  or  even  respect. 

One  day  Laura  had  been  to  see  a  friend  and  Robert 
had  overtaken  heron  his  way  home  from  town.  Allan, 
who  was  in  the  room  as  they  came  up  the  walk  listened, 
and  catching  the  silvery  notes  of  her  sweet  young  voice 
as  she  laughed  and  chatted  with  his  cousin,  imagined, 
as  he  stood  in  the  open  window  and  looked  down  upon 
the  moonlit  figures  that  she  was  happy  with  Robert, 
and  was  nearly  jealous. 

He  could  see  she  did  not  take  Robert's  arm,  and  he 
felt  a  trifle  easier,  for  she  always  leaned  upon  him  very 
confidingly,  and  so  he  tried  to  eke  a  little  comfort  out 
of  the  girl's  distant  manner  toward  his  cousin.  And 
had  she  not  given  a  huge  red  poi)py  to  Rob  when  he 
asked  her  for  a  flower  for  his  button-hole,  and  slyly 
dropped  a  sweet  white  rose  into  his  own  hand  soon  after, 
when  no  one  could  see?  Then  had  she  not  pinned  it 
on  the  lapel  of  his  coat,  with  a  bright  blush  and  droop- 
ing eyes?  Ah,  yes,  "for  Bonnie  Annie  Laurie  he  could 
lay  him  down  and  die,"  if  necessary,  ho  loved  her  sol 
And  he  sang  iti  his  rich, strong  young  voice  the  lust  verse 
of  the  old  scotch  song. 

"I'd  a  deuced  sight  sooner  live  for  Annie  Latirie,  and 


GOLD  DUST 


33 


I  mean  to,  too,  if  1  can,"  said  Robert  coming  into  the 
room  just  as  Allan  concluded  the  verse. 

"Do  you  mean  that,  Rob?"  asked  Allan  wheeling 
about  and  facing  his  cousin.  It  was  the  first  outiight 
admission  that  Allan  had  of  his  cousin's  real  intentions. 

"Guess  I  do.      Have  any  objections?" 

"None  in  the  least  if  she  wants  you,"  replied  Allan 
in  a  cold  voice  from  which  all  the  tenderness  had  flown. 

"Well  all's  fair  in  love  and  war,  so  I  guess  I'll  turn 
in  for  the  night.  You  can  bay  at  the  moon  till  morn- 
ing if  you  want  to;  only  don't  keep  me  awake." 

A  few  days  later  Robert  came  upon  his  cousin  in  the 
road  leading  out  from  town.  He  had  been  filled  with 
bitterness  at  the  turn  of  affairs,  and  attributed  Allan's 
success  to  his  fine  manners  and  handsome  personal 
appearance.  Now  as  he  looked  at  the  approaching 
figure  and  noted  the  apparent  recommendations  to  a 
young  girl's  fancy,  he  ground  his  teeth  and  clinched 
his  fists  in  rage. 

"I'll  have  'er  yet,  you  dog,  see  if  I  don't,  if  I  go 
through  'ell  fire  to  get  'erl  She's  mine,"  he  muttered 
between  his  teeth,  then  he  choked  back  this  boiling 
wrath  as  his  cousin  came  up  to  him  with  a  gay  salute. 

"How  do  do,  Rob?  Hear  you've  been  speculating  in 
real  estate.     Going  to  get  rich?" 

"In  time,  perhaps.  I've  sense  enough  to  know  the 
value  of  money,  and  brains  enough  to  know  how  to 
make  it,"  was  Robert's  nonconnnittal  reply,  given  in  a 
gruff  voice. 

"I  wish  I  had  your  head  for  money-making.  The 
Lord  knows  there's  need  of  it!  Give  us  your  secret, 
Rob.  It's  precious  slow  laying  up  anything  at  I45 
per  month."  And  Allan  impatiently  flocked  tlie  dust 
off  his  patent-leathers  with  his  cane. 

"in  the  first  place  1  don  fc  give  my  secret  to  you;  it 


-v 


24 


GOLD  DUST 


! 


would  help  you  and  hinder  me,"  answered  Robert  set- 
ting his  feet  squarely  on  the  sandy  walk,  and  plunging 
his  hands  into  his  pockets  with  an  obstinate  look  upon 
his  face.  "But  hif  you  want  a  little  sound  hadvice  let 
me  tell  you  that  hif  you  spent  one  alf  the  time  over  the 
ways  and  means  hof  money-making  that  you  do  hat  the 
glass  a  dandying  hup  you'd  'ave  more  money.  'Nother 
thing,  fine    clothes  don't    provide  for   a  wife,  not  by  a 

d d  sight.     Hits  the  solid  cash  or  real   estate   that 

does  the  business  hevery  time  and  don't  you  forget  it." 

Allen  had  been  struggling  with  his  wrath  since  Rob- 
ert's mention  of  his  personal  habits,  but  at  his  allusion 
to  real  estate  he  had  restrained  himself  for  he  hoped  to 
learn  the  truth  of  the  reports  concerning  Robert's  recent 
investment;  as  yet  they  were  uncertainties  to  him,  so 
he  bottled  up  his  wrath  and  said  quietly: 

"When  I  get  a  wife  I'll  provide  for  her,  don't  be  afraid, 
Robert;  and  as  for  "dandying  up"  as  you  are  pleased 
to  call  it,  I  pay  for  my  clothes.  And  too,  I  hate  a 
rough,  slovenly  fellow  as  bad  as  you  do  a  dandy.  Con- 
found a  man  that  comes  into  the  presence  of  civilized 
people  witli  an  oath  and  a  swagger,  his  clothes  fillrd 
with  the  disgtisting  odor  of  the  vile  weed  that  begrimes 
his  teeth  and  lips,  and  fills  his  unkempt  hair.  Con- 
found him!  I  hate  such  a  brute!  He's  not  lit  to  live." 
Allan  had  forgotten  himself. 

"You  'ate  such  a  brute  has  bad  has  I  'ate  a  brainless, 
poverty-stricken,  beggarly  cur,"  sharply  answered  Rob- 
ert between  his  set  teeth,  for  he  understood  his  cousin. 
"Al  Morton  I'd  have  more  shame  than  to  hask  a  woman 
to  marry  mo  hif  I  'ad  nothing  but  a  line  face  and  fig- 
ure to  offer  'cr." 

"Hob,  what  do  you  mean?     lie  man  enough  to  tell." 

"I  mean,"  and  Robert  struck  his  lists  together  sav- 
agely, "I  mean  that  hif  I  were  you  I  would  step  aside 


GOLD  DUST 


25 


hand  let  others  'ave  a  chance  who  are  hable.  You 
know  well  enough  what  I  mean!  You  know  but  for  you 
I'd  be  sure  of  Laura  Bassett.  I'm  hable  now  to  sup- 
port 'er  in  good  style.  You  know  that  you  'aven'tone 
in  the  family  on  your  side,  hand  they  all  happrovc  of 
me.  What  'ave  you  to  offer  'er?  Nothing  but  a  fine 
face  and  figure  hand  dandyish  manners  ;  them  things 
won't  wear  without  money,  hand  money  will  tell." 

Allan  knew  that  his  cousin  was  preferred  to  him  by 
the  Bassett  family,  and  he  felt  the  force  of  that  claim. 

"You  can't  'ave  'er,"  continued  Robert.  "I'll  see  to 
that.  I  stand  well  with  the  old  man,  that's  'alf  the 
battle.  I'm  going  to  see  'er  now.  Want  to  go  'long?" 
then  he  turned  back  and  walked  rapidly  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Bassett  farm. 

"Taunt  if  you  will,"  muttered  Allan  as  Robert  walked 
away,  "They  laugh  longest  who  laugh  last.  I  can  wait 
for  she  loves  me;  Annie  Laurie  loves  me." 

Allan  did  not  return  to  the  house,  but  after  Robert 
was  out  of  sight  he  started  off  down  the  road  at  a  rapid 
pace.  Ho  did  not  want  to  meet  his  cousin  until  he 
coud  get  rid  of  himself,  so  to  speak.  He  had  lost  con- 
trol of  self,  that  demon  which  opposition  in  this  mat- 
ter of  his  love  tor  Laura  always  aroused.  Self  and  jeal- 
ousy were  closely  allied  now.  He  was  better  alone 
until  he  had  these  two  fiends  in  check. 

Robert  bouyantly  pursued  his  way  back  to  his  boasted 
destination.  He  believed  he  knew  all  the  weak  points 
in  poor  human  nature's  character,  and  applied  his  world 
lore  indiscriminately.  "Money  will  tell"  was  his  favor- 
ite maxim.  He  did  not  reali/o  that  in  its  use  he  depre- 
ciated his  own  value.  By  the  logical  manner  in  which 
h(!  waH  wont  to  hurl  his  thunderbolt  at  the  unwary 
listcMier  he  left  the  impression  that  ho  had  a  monopoly 
of  worlU-iorc,  and  that    his  remarkable    and    unprcro- 


^^: 


26 


GOLD  DUST 


dented  astuteness  had  discovered  this  weak  spot  in  the 
world's  character. 

With  his  faith  in  the  power  of  money,  Robert  was 
bent  upon  its  accumulation,  and  was  very  busy  calcu- 
lating his  chances  in  real  estate  investments. 

He  had  bought  a  couple  of  lots  in  the  suburb  of  the 
city,  upon  time,  which  would  in  the  sure  rise  of  land 
yield  him  a  good  proiit  in  the  near  future.  He  be- 
lieved, too,  in  a  bank  account,  be  it  ever  so  small,  and 
the  bank  book  with  its  growing  list  of  figures  was  the 
beacon  light  that  should  illumine  his  road  to  success 
in  the  pursuit  of  Laura  Bassett's  hand. 

He  felt  sure  of  her  father's  consent.  Mrs.  Bassett 
was  a  good  motherly  soul  who  could  be  won  over  easily. 
The  girls  were  nothing,  of  course,  to  him,  not  even 
Nettie  with  her  following  eyes  and  doting  manner,  or 
Helen  with  her  uncompromising  reserve.  Robert  knew 
that  Laura  preferred  his  cousin:  she  believed  that  Allan 
was  a  perfect  gentleman,  If  he  must,  he  would  show 
up  his  cousin  in  a  way  that  would  humiliate  liim,  and 
he  was  sure  of  the  restilt  for  Laura  was  proud  as  Luci- 
fer. But  no  need  of  that  yet.  Women  loved  the  use 
and  display  of  money.  Yes,  money  was  the  thing.  It 
made  the  twinkling-eared  fenuUe  of  the  equine  species 
travel  at  an  exhilarating  pace.  He  would  accumulate 
money. 

Robert's  plans  to  accumiilate  money  were  fruitful. 
His  invcstmint  in  real  estate  had  cost  him  little.  He 
had  begun  by  purchasing  carefully  only  two  lots  in  a 
good  location.  There  were  others,  some  half  dozen  in 
the  sanui  block  that  he  wanted,  but  there  was  time 
enough  when  he  should,  from  the  sale  of  these  two 
rc;ili/.e  a  profit.  This  he  had  done  the  day  after  his 
encounter  with  Allan. 

Me  was  offered  S300  more  than  he  paid,  a  clear  profit 


GOLD  DUST 


of  $600.  lie  luaLle  tlie  sale,  drew  up  all  papers  of 
transfer,  received  his  money,  songht  out  and  found  the 
agent  and  bought  the  remaining  six  lots  upon  the  same 
terms  that  he  did  the  two  first.  All  this  in  an  hour's 
time.  He  had  besides  the  sum  of  5Hoo  in  the  bank 
with  which  to  build  a  small  cottage  upon  the  choicest 
of  the  six  lots,  a  lovely  corner,  just  the  spot  for  his 
bride. 

It  was  a  bold  stroke.  The  speculative  spirit  was 
developing  in  him  rapidly.  lie  loved  money  and  the 
power  it  gave  him.  He  was  rising  in  the  esteem  of 
his  friends  and  employers,  and  believed  himself  the 
object  of  envy  on  the  part  of  his  rival. 

About  this  time  he  made  application  for  a  better  and 
more  remunerative  position  in  the  same  house  where 
he  had  been  employed.  His  skill  and  business  ability 
were  appreciated  by  his  employers.  He  soon  obtained 
the  coveted  situation  at  ^100  per  month,  just  double 
what  he  had  been  getting  before.  He  was  jubilant. 
Fortune  smiled  upon  him,  and  now  he  could  propose 
to  Laura  Bassett. 

Meeting  iier  one  evening  when  she  was  coming  home, 
shortly  after  his  encounter  wifh  his  cousin,  Robert  was 
glad  to  see  that  she  was  alore. 

"Are  you  in  a  'urry,  Laura?" 

"Not  much  of  a  hurry,  only  going  down  to  the  pas- 
ture." 

"I'm  jurjt  on  my  way  to  see  some  lots  I've  bou^'ht 
lately.  I'm  going  to  build  a  liousc  on  one  of  them. 
I'm  not  sure  that  I  can  choose  wisely.  I'd  like  you  to 
go  along  and  'clp  nic.  1  don't  want  to  make  a  mis- 
take." 

"Oh!  as  to  that,  I  guess  you  can  do  that  better  than 
1.     What  should    I  know    about  houses  and  lots?  '  an- 


*x. 


1 


28 


GOLD  DUST 


swered  Laura  with  a  coquettish  toss  of  her  head  aud  a 
thrilling  laugh  that  made  his  heart  leap. 

"You  women  folks  halvvays  know  better  about  these 
things.     Women  'ave  to  live  in  'ouses  more  than  men." 

"Why  should  we?  Men  have  to  live  in  houses  too," 
said  Laura  obstinately. 

"Laura,  men  don't  'ave  to  be  in  them  has  much  has 
women.  Men  should  build  and  fit  hup  the  'ouse  and 
provide  for  hit;  women  should  keep  the 'ouse,  and  has 
they  'ave  to  live  there  all  the  time,  they  ought  to  'ave 
it  built  to  suit  them,  too,  I  think,"  said  he  with  an 
insinuating  smile. 

"O,  well  then,  you  ought  to  v/ait  until  you  get  a  wife, 
if  you  are  going  to  get  one,"  answered  Laura  in  a  tan- 
talizing manner  that  made  lier  irresistible. 

"I'm  going  to  get  a  wife,  eoon  too.  I'm  going  to 
build  now  and  1  wanv  you  to  'elp  me  plan  my  'ouse. 
I'm  going  to  get  married  just  as  soon  as  I  get  my  'ouse 
done,  hand  I  shall  like  to  think  that  you  harranged 
everything  for  my  wife  to  be." 

"But  I  shall  not  know  her  tastes,"  persisted  Laura 
laughing  shyly. 

"Well,  I  can  tell  you.  Oh!  you  choose  hand  I  prom- 
ise she'll  be  satisfied.  Slie  resembles  you  in  some 
things,  hand  I'm  sure  your  tastes  would  suit  'er.  I'll 
run  the  chances  hany  'ow,"  urged  Robert  in  his  bold 
manner.  He  had  been  out  since  supper  and  was  just 
returning  home.  lie  looked  happy  and  wore  an  air  of 
extreme  satisfaction  as  though  the  world  was  going 
well  with  him.  His  dark  eyes  looked  bright  and  his 
whole  manner  betokened  the  successful  man. 

Laura  wondered  at  the  iinusual  change  in  him,  noting 
and  approving  of  his  smart  appearance.  She  thought 
he  must  be  about  to  get  married.  He  was  a  very  ple.is- 
ant  sight  as  he  stood  smiling   and  eager  before  her  in 


GOLD  DUST 


29 


that  aggressive  attitude,  his  hat  tipped  back  from  his 
forehead  a  litile,  his  hands  thrust  in  his  trousers' 
pockets,  and  his  feet  planted  squarely  in  an  argument- 
ative way.  Altogther  he  was  a  very  pleasant  young 
man  to  look  at.  She  wondered  what  had  produced  the 
change.  She  knew  he  had  been  in  love  with  her  once, 
but  for  a  month  or  more  he  had  avoided  her, she  thought. 
She  wondered  if  now  it  was  Nettie.  What  a  goose 
she  was  not  to  think  of  that  before;  of  course,  it  was 
Nettie!  and  Laura's  bright  eyes  lit  up  and  she  took  a 
step  nearer,  unconsciously  lying  her  hand  upon  his  arm. 

"O,  Robert,  is  it  Nettie?"  her  whole  face  beamed 
radiantly. 

"No,  it  is  not  Nettie,"  he  answered  harshly,  looking 
at  the  beautiful  young  creature  before  him  with  all  his 
soul  in  his  eyes  in  spite  of  his  heart's  answer. 

"O,  forgive  me,  Robert.  1  thought  it  might  be  Net- 
tie," then  seeing  his  changed  countenance  and  anxious 
to  appease  his  wrath  she  said,  "Of  course,  I'll  go  with 
you  and  help  you  choose  your  lot,"  but  as  slie  removed 
her  hand  froui  his  arm  she  turned  and  saw  Allan  stand- 
ing in  the  arbor  door  and  looking  intently  at  them. 

Her  heart  gave  a  bound,  a  little  in  dismay  fearing 
that  he  might  not  like  her  evident  sociability  with  his 
cousin,  a  great  deal  for  love  of  him.  Her  eyes  lit  up 
with  the  sweet  consciousness  of  Allan's  love  and  sent 
a  bright  blush  to  her  face.  She  was  so  happy  that  she 
could  afford  to  be  gentle  and  patient  with  others,  and 
so  she  threw  a  great  deal  too  much  innocent  kindness 
mid  interest  into  her  manner. 

Robert  had  not  seen  Alhm,  and  was  under  the  spell 
of  her  winsome  manner,  and  so  they  were  soon  at  the 
spot  where  he  pointed  out  his  lots.  After  many  exchi- 
mations  on  the  part  of  Laura,  and  a  great  deal  of  delib- 
eration on  the  part  of    both,  they  chose  the  very  same 


30 


GOLD    DUST 


lot  tliat  Robert  had  from  the  first  selected  and  reserved. 
It  was  a  nice  piece  of    strategy  and    it  worked  cliarm- 

ingly. 

Then  they  decided  upon  the  size  and  location  upon 
the  lot  of  a  six-room  cottage  that  should  be  surrounded 
by  a  low  picket  fence  in  front  and  sides  and  a  high 
board  wall  in  the  rear.  "To  keep  out  all  intruders  in  his 
absence,'  Robert  informed  Laura,  at  which  she  laughed 
in  girlish  glee.  Then  a  great  deal  of  time  it  took 
to  be  sure  to  plan  the  internal  arrangement  of  the  cot- 
tage. But  at  last  it  was  all  done  and  they  started 
homeward. 

It  was  now  nearly  dark  and  the  long  twilight  had 
slipped  by  almost  unawares.  Robert  walked  part  way 
home  with  Laura  and  then  bid  her  good-night,  saying 
he  must  find  his  workmen. 

"I'm  going  to  put  men  to  work  to-morrow,"  he  an- 
swered meeting  her  inquiring  look. 

"How  you  do  rush  things,"  said  she  in  astonislunent, 
for  she  had  thought  he  only  meant  to  build  some  other 
time.  She  wondered  more  than  ever  for  whom  he  was 
going  to  build  the  house. 

"That  cottage  will  be  done  hin  about  six  weeks  or 
two  months  a' most,"  he  replied  with  an  emphatic  nod 
and  enjoying  her  surprise  immensely. 

"I  didn't  know  you  had  so  much  money,"  ventured 
Laura  in  a  mystified  manner. 

"The  money's  ready  in  the  bank.  I've  got  hevery 
dollar  of  the  needful.  When  the  'ousc  is  done,  I'll 
want  you  to  help  me  select  the  furniture,"  and  he  gave 
another  nod,  and  the  happy  look  in  his  eyes  expressed 
his  satisfaction  at  his  success.  "Oh!  I  can't  choose  the 
furnishings,  Robert,  itids^f^d  1  cin't.  You'll  have  to 
get  yotir  intended    bride  to  do  that,"  and    she    looked 


i 


GOLD    DUST 


31 


away  now  though  with  an  arch  smile  curling  the  corners 
of  her  mouth. 

"All  right/'  replied  Robert  cheerfully,  I'll  get  my 
hintended  wife  then,  if  that  will  suit  you  any  better," 
with  another  nod  and  an  ardent  look  in  his  dark  bold 
eyes  that  made  her  blush  again,  as  she    hurried  home, 

Robert  started  off  down  town  while  Laura  sought  the 
arbor  more  from  habit  than  design;  she  did  not  expect 
to  meet  Allan,  she  did  not  tliink  he  would  wait  for  her 
so  long.  But  he  was  there  and  met  her  with  a  con- 
strained look. 

Not  wholly  unprepared  for  the  change,  but  deter- 
mined to  seem  herself  unchanged,  she  went  up  to  him 
and  in  great  glee  began  telling  him  of  Robert's  cottage. 

"And  he  would  have  me  help  him  plan  it  and  all.  It 
took  so  long,  toO;  to  be  sure  it  is  quite  an  undertaking. 
O,  it  is  to  be  a  perfect  little  nest,  Allan,"  and  she 
beamed  brightly. 

"When  will  he  build?"  asked  Allan  with  a  queer 
look  on  his  face  as  he  turned  his  eyes  persistently  away 
in  a  manner  that  the  girl  at  his  side  could  not  under- 
stand. 

"O,  he's  gone  now  to  see  the  workmen,  and  he  saya 
he'll  have  it  all  done  for  his  wife  in  about  six  or  eight 
weeks.  Just  to  think!  and  I  tried  to  guess  her  name 
and  he  wouldn't  tell  me.  I  never  did  think  much  of 
his  looks,  but  to-night  he  was  so  bright  and  happy, 
and  assured  just  as  though  it  was  already  settled,"  and 
Laura  laughed  in  a  happy  gleeful  manner  that  made 
Allan's  teeth  set  together.  Why  should  she  care  for 
Robert's  success?  Did  the  sight  of  that  man's  pos- 
sessions iniluence  her? 

"Do  you  think  you  could  be  happy  with  a  poor  man?" 
ng  one  arm  around  her,  yet  not  drawing 


her  to  hi 


m. 


32 


GOLD    DUST 


"I  know  it,  Allan,  if  I  loved  him.  Of  course,  I  like 
nice  things,  a  nice  house  and  furniture,  and  fine  clothes 
too,  just  as  well  as  other  folks." 

How  he  did  long  to  bind  her  by  a  promise  to  marry 
him,  but  he  was  always  met  by  that  evasive  look  and 
thrilling  laugh.  Of  her  love  he  had  no  doubts,  but 
she  always  said— 

"Wait,  Allan,  no  hurry,  I'm    too  young  to  promise." 

Every  girl  liked  a  home.  He  could  not  offer  any- 
thing for  perhaps  years  yet.  Under  the  tormenting 
fears  of  losing  her  he  turned  almost  fiercely. 

"You  love  me,  Annie  Laura,  only  me?"  now  closely, 
almost  savagely  drawing  the  lovely  girl  to  his  heart. 

"I  love  you,  Allan,  only  you,  no  matter  what  may 
come  in  the  future;"  she  had  put  her  hands  up  to  his 
face  that  had  grown  so  stern  and  white. 

"Again,  say  the  words  again."  Then  she  slipped  her 
hands  around  his  neck,  and  with  a  sad  earnest  look  in 
her  e3'es,  said  solemnly: 

"I  love  you,  Allan,  only  you.  I  will  love  you  always. 
I  will  be  true  to  you  always,  living  or  dead." 

"And  for  Bonnie  Annie  Laurie  I'd  lay  me  down  and 
die,"  he  said  earnestly  kissing    her  sweet    y    ang  face. 

"You  believe  me,  Allan?"  she  asked  earnestly. 

"Yes,  and  I'll  try  to  be  satisfied.  But  when  I  see 
you  with  Robert,  I  feel  wicked.  I  don't  know  what 
gives  me  control  over  myself,  for  I  want  to  kill  him. 

"Allan!"  exclaimed  the  girl  springing  from  his  arms 
and  looking  at  him  in  terror. 

"Yes,  I  do,  I  want  to  deprive  him  of  some  of  his  in- 
solent assurance.  But  don't  feel  alarmed,  I  won't  hurt 
him,  and  I  won't  worry  you  anymore,  Laura.  Forgive 
me,  dear  I  was  cruel  to  frighten  von  so.  Come  back 
to  mc  again.     I'll  not  say  it  again." 

"Allan,  you've    got    a    terrible    disposition.     You're 


GOLD    DUSr 


33 


wife  will  have  to  go  armed  all  the  time.  Why  even 
now  I  am  sometimes  afraid,  too,  of  you,  you  look  so 
wicked,"  and  she  backed  to  the  other  side  of  the  room. 
"Never  fear,  dearie;  I'll  not  look  so  at  you,  it's  only 
for  him;  I  can't  be  rnysclf  when  I  think  of  him." 

"Then  don't  think  of  him."  said  Laura,  greatly  flat- 
tered all  the  same  by  his  vehement  demonstrations. 
She  was  a  little  vain  that  two  men  should  be  thirsting 
for  each  other's  lives  for  her  sake. 


CHAPTER  III 

AN    EXCURSION    AND  A  WEDDING 

A  few  days  after  the  planning  of  the  new  cottage, 
Robert  came  to  his  room  one  night  greatly  elated. 

"What  do  you  say,  Al,  to  hour  joining  the  Warrens 
hin  a  trip  to  the  Falls?" 

"When?"  asked  his  cousin  in  some  surprise. 

'On  the  fourth.  I'll  take  Nettie,  and  you,  of  course — 
oh,  well,  hits  generally  understood  who  you'll  take, hold 
fellow,"  and  Robert  laughed  an  odd  sort  of  laugh  that 
somehow  did  not  ring  true. 

"Tell  me  your  plans,  Rob,"  said  Allan  who  did  not 
seem  satisfied. 

"Why,  there's  an  excursion  to  the  Falls,  hand  the 
Warrens  are  going,  hand  want  us  to  go,  too.  Mrs.  War- 
ren says  she  wants  'elen  to  go  with  them;  good  h'idea 
fer  she  wouldn't  go  with  me,  hand  I  wouldn't  ask  'er, 
she'd  'ave  to  stay  at  'ome  but  fer  the  Warrens. 
What  do  you  think  h'of  it?  Think  you'll  go?"  asked 
Robert  with  a  calculating  look  of  the  eye. 

"I'll  see  about  it.  The  tact  is  Pm  not  able  and  it's  a 
deuced  expensive  trip,"  answered  Allan  moodily 


X. 


:!Sm 


34 


GOLD    DUST 


"O,  well,  it's  all  in  one's  lifetime.  I've  'ad  to  skimp 
pretty  close  what  with  the  building  and  all.  But  I'm 
going  to  'ave  one  rousing  old  time  and  then  settle 
down,"  and  then  Robert  laughed  a  jolly  sort  of  laugh 
that  irritated  his  cousin  who  felt  that  the  laugh  had 
a  triumphant  ring. 

"O,  you  can  afford  it  with  your  big  salary  and  bank 
account,  but  I  have  only  half  as  much  salary  and  can't 
get  a  raise.  Beside  I'm  working  for  Lee  &  Watson, 
doing  night  work  extra,  I  don't  like  to  take  so  much 
time.  However,  I'll  see,  perhaps  I'll  go.  I'd  like  to, 
if  it  were  not  for  the  money  question." 

"What  the  deuce  you  doing  night  work  for,  Al?  I 
never  saw  you  so  industrious  before." 

"I  want  to  make  money  a  little  faster  than  my  em- 
ployer permits  in  the  store;  I  got  this  chance  prepar- 
ing and  copying  manuscript  for  Lee  &  Watson.  It's 
hard  work,  I  was  up  till  two  o'clock  last  night.  Am 
never  in  bed  before  midnight.  That's  a  fact, "  as  Robert 
gave  a  low  whistle. 

It  humiliated  Allan  that  he  should  be  so  poor  and 
his  cousin  so  able.  Yet  he  must  go  with  the  rest  to 
the  Falls  and  take  Laura,  or  Robert  would  be  her  escort, 
he  was  sure  of  that,  and  this  thought  actuated  him 
to  conclude  to  over-draw  his  salary.  He  hated  to,  it 
was  against  his  principles  to  spend  money  that  was  not 
his  own,  but  he  might  just  this  once,  for  he  must  pre- 
vent his  cousin  from  waiting  upon  Laura.  So  he  went 
below,  and  finding  her  in  the  parlor  and  telling  her  of 
the  proposed  excm'sion  claimed  her  promise  of  accom- 
panying him.  She,  of  course,  was  in  great  glee.  So 
was  Nettie  at  the  prospects  of  so  great  a  treat.  Net- 
tie had  never  before  dreamed  of  anything  half  so  de- 
lightful as  an  invitation  from  F^obert,  her  idol. 


i 


GOLD    DUST 


35 


The  following  day  Allan  told  his  cousin  that  he  had 
decided  to  go,  but  must  economize  time. 

It  was  arranged  that  Laura  should  go  to  the  city 
with  Nettie  and  Robert  where  Allan  would  meet  them 
at  the  landing.  Though  Allan  did  not  like  the  arrange- 
ment, yet  it  was  a  busy  time  in  Lee  &  Watson's,  and 
knowing  that  he  could  not  get  back  to  work  in  the 
store  until  late  the  next  day  after  the  excursion,  he  had 
to  submit.  As  he  was  doing  extra  work,  his  employer 
readily  granted  him  leave  of  absence  for  the  time  re- 
quired.    The  whole  plan  was  arranged  by  Robert. 

"You  see,  Al,  she  can  go  hin  our  carriage  just  as  well 
as  fer  you  to  get  an  extra  carriage.  Then  you  meet  us 
hat  the  wharf  and  I'll  put  hup  the  team  in  the  stable 
till  we  come  back.  You'll  save  'orse  'ire  and  your 
time  too,  hand  she  can  just  has  well  go  with  hus,  see?" 

"All  right,  let  it  be  so,  though  it  isn't  my  way  of 
doing  things,"  reluctantly  decided  Allan. 

"The  Warrens  and  'elen  will  meet  us  hat  the  wharf; 
then  we'll  go  aboard  the  steamer,  just  'ave  time.  Oh! 
we're  going  to  'ave  a  good  time.  I'm  in  for  hit. 
Hain't  going  to  foot  hup  the  bills  until  afterward." 
Robert  was  enthusiastic. 

Knowing  that  his  cousin  was  cramped  for  money, 
Robert  bought  an  extra  ticket,  thinking  that  he  could 
easily  dispose  of  it  again,  and  deeming  it  wise  and 
safe  to  be  provided  in  case  of  need.  If  Allan  came 
all  right  he  would  give  it  to  him,  in  a  generous  way, 
for  Laura's  sake.  Beside  he  liked  to  provide  for  -the 
girl  whom  he  loved  so  passionately. 

In  the  morning,  at  an  early  hour  Robert  dashed  up 
to  the  gate  in  a  handsome  carriage  drawn  by  a  span  of 
fine  bays.  Robert  was  a  fine  driver  and  this  morning 
he  was  looking  unusually  well.  Nettie  was  proud  of 
so  fine  an  escort,  but  was  somewhat    overshadowed  by 


36 


GOLD    DUST 


i 


the  appearance  of  her  younger  sister  who  was  more 
chaming  than  ever  in  a  new  dress  and  becoming  hat. 
Robert  was  more  madly  in  love  than  ever. 

Arriving  at  the  wharf  they  looked  in  vain  for  Allan 
and  waited  until  the  last  minute.  Laura  was  indig- 
nant and  humiliated  by  his  non  appearance.  Robert 
pitied  her  in  her  mortification,  but  wisely  forbore  to 
condemn  his  cousin  to  her,  though  lie  secretly  exulted 
in  this  cause. 

He  was  generous  enough  to  feel  a  sort  of  pity  for 
him,  knowing  well  that  the  lack  of  funds  had  been  the 
cause  of  his  absence.  Surely  the  man  knew  better  than 
to  play  into  his  own  hands,  for,  of  course,  he  must  take 
Laura  now  that  Allan  had  failed  to  put  in  an  appearance. 
Allan  knew  that  she  would  ccmie  with  him  and  Nettie, 
and  she  must  go  on  with  them.  He  would  see  to  that, 
he  was  only  too  glad  to  do  so.  > 

"You'll  come  with  us  won't  you,  Laura?  and  we'll 
'ave  a  jolly  time.  I've  got  han  hextra  ticket,  halways 
best  to  take  one  you  know,  hand  there's  no  hexcuse. 
Sorry  for  you,  but  not  for  myself,  'nd  you  needn't  be 
disappointed  in  the  least  Ixxausc  Allan  chose  to  back 
out.  I  know  it  must  be  'ard  on  'im,  but — well, 'is  snlary  is 
small  hand  guess  he  'adn't  the  money.  PIo  knew  I  'ad 
it  and  would  give  him  all  he  needed  for  the  trip  rather 
than  'ave  'im  back  out  and  spoil  your  fun." 

Robert  was  sorry  for  his  cousin  for  the  space  of  a 
minute  and  meant  what  he  said,  for  he  could  not  long 
endure  seeing  any  one  suffer  and  it  was  easy  to  talk  ; 
it  cost  nothin[(. 

So  he  prevailed  upcni  Laura  to  go  with  iIumu  and 
was  lavish  in  every  possible  means  of  making  the  ex- 
cursion a  success. 

There  was  the  usual  music,  dancing  and  feasting  all 
day  and  night  on  board  the  steamer.     Never  hud  thcv 


\ 


GOLD    DUST 


37 


had  such  a  merry  time.  Robert  knew  too  well  that 
Nettie  would  build  a  good  deal  on  the  attentions  that 
he  must  pay  her,  and  so  sought  by  every  possible  means 
to  undeceive  her.  To  that  end  he  asked  Mrs.  Warren 
to  invite  her  to  remain  with  Helen  at  her  house  until 
the  following  day.  Though  Nettie  promised,  not  know- 
ing what  else  to  do,  yet  she  was  overwhelmed  to  find 
that  Laura  was  going  back  with  Robert  in  the  early 
morning.  That  drive  from  town  with  Robert  was  some- 
thing that  she  had  counted  on  as  an  exclusive  and  very 
desirable  little  treat,  but  now  Laura  was  going  instead. 

"Allan  shall  not  think  I'm  breaking  my  heart  for  him," 
said  Laura  as  she  started  home  with  her  jubilant  escort. 
But  he  could  see  she  was  ill  at  ease  all  the  time,  though, 
by  a  great  effort,  keeping    up  a  show  of   cheerfulness. 

Slie  stepped  into  the  buggy  with  a  merry  laugh, 
seemingly  glad  of  the  pleasant  ride  home  in  the  early 
morning  light,  and  in  answer  to  their  raillery,  laugh- 
ingly replied: 

"Ah,  yes,  I'll  send  for  Nettie,  but  I  must  go  with 
Robert  and  there's  not  room  for  two." 

Of  course,  Laura  meant  that  Allan  should  see  thorn 
drive  «ip  to  the  door  of  the  house,  and  he  should  see 
Robert's  very  manifest  devotion,  too. 

It  seemed  an  odd  arrangement  to  Nettie,  but  she, 
honest  soul,  choked  back  the  rising  sobs  and  saw  them 
drive  away,  with  a  sinking  heart. 

"He  brought  mc,  and  leaves  mc  here.  He  asked  to 
wait  upon  me,  aiul  now  lie  makes  no  provision  for  my 
going  homo,"  and  she  looked  at  Helen  in  grieved  won- 
der as  though  she  could  help  fathom  the  cause  of  it 
all.     This  she  did  witlumt  delay. 

"You'll  learn  more  in  a  day  or  two,  or  I  shall  be 
greatly  mistaken,"  said  Helen  severely,  in  response  to 
Nettie'?  look  of   surprised   snd   grieved   questioning. 


mmmmmmmm 


miiRi 


38 


GOLD    DUST 


E'  •>) 


"You  must  make  up  your  mind    that  you've    lost  him. 
He'll  propose  to  Laura  this  very  morning,  I'm    sure." 

"Oh, Helen, I  can't  bear  it,"  moaned  the  unhappy  girl. 

"You'll  have  to  bear  it.  That  is  woman's  mission 
on  earth  so  far  as  I  can  see.  But  he'll  suffer  for  his 
perfidy.     Some  day  he'll  get  his  pay  for  it." 

"Don't,  Helen!  don't  say  that,  he  never  said  a  word 
to  me  that  would  lead  me  to  think  that  he  cares  for 
me.  He's  not  to  blame  if  I'm  not  pretty  like  Laura. 
Every  one  is  captivated  by  her  and  she's  proud  of   it 

too," 

"I  can't  help  that,  he's  not  honest,  not  even  in  your 
lenient  eyes.  But  we  must  go  home.  Mrs.  Warren 
will  send  us  home.  Let's  go  at  once,  vo\x  don't  want 
to  stay,  do  you?" 

"O,  no.     I  want  to  get  away  from  their  prying  eyes 
at  once,"  sighed  Nettie  hopelessly. 

Helen's  prophecy  was  correct.  Robert  proposed  and 
was  not  refused  absolutely.  Under  the  humiliation  of 
Allan's  actions  Laura  half  promised  to  be  Robert's 
wife.  She  was  dazzled  by  the  show  of  money,  just  as 
Robert  had  intended  she  should  be,  for  she  had  a  hor- 
ror of  being  a  poor  man's  wife,  and  now  that  Allan 
had  acted  so  cavalierly,  she  would  show  him  that  she 
need  not  go  begging  for  lovers.  And  so  she  half 
promised  Robert  that  when  the  little  cottage  should 
bo  quite  ready  for  occupancy  she  would  help  him  select 
furnishings;  this,  too,  just  as  they  were  entering  the 
old  carriage-way  at  home,  right  where  Allan  could,  if 
he  chose  to  look  down  from  his  window  and  sec  them. 

She  knew  they  wore  a  iuio  looking  couple.  After  all 
the  fatigue  of  the  excursion  she  was  as  bright  as  ever, 
and  Robert  did  look  very  nice,  and  just  now  feeling 
•uccessful,  he  was  radiant.  And  then  he  had  money 
dnd  could  dres8  her  woil. 


GOLD    DUST 


39 


The  upshot  of  it  all  was  that  Laura  in  a  measure 
felt  the  enthrallment  of  the  hour  and  her  position,  a 
recently  betrothed  bride  coming  home,  betrothed  to  the 
man  of  her  choice,  coming  home  to  be  petted,  con- 
gratulated, appreciated,  instead  of  creeping  off  to  her 
room  alone,  tearful,  rebuked  by  parental  coldness,  but 
true!  Oh  yes,  there  was  a  satisfaction  in  it  that  made 
her  laugh  trill  out  upon  the  early  morning  air,  and 
caught  with  its  bewitching  echoes  the  waking  Allan, who 
through  the  long  night  had  tossed  upon  his  bed,  suffer- 
ing all  the  maddening  tortures  of  jealousy.  Of  course, 
he  looked  out  just  in  time  to  see  Robert  lift  Laura  bod- 
ily but  very  tenderly  out  of  the  buggy,  holding  her  in 
his  arms  a  moment  and  kissing  her  upturned,  blushing 

face. 

"The  traitors!  I'll  be  even  with  them  both!  God 
help  me  I  will,"  he  hissed.  "I  will  live  for  it  if  I  die 
for   it,"  and   then  hastily  went   out   to   avoid   meeting 

Kobert.  ,    ,  , 

Out  of  the  house  he  rushed,  and  on  toward  the  woods, 

like  a  wild  man  fleeing  from  the  hands  of  jealousy  and 
despair,  like  Cain  with  guilt  upon  his  soul,  like  the 
poor  wretched  victim  that  he  was  of  a  weak  woman's 
faithlessness,  and  a  schoming  rival's  treachery.  On  he 
rushed  through  the  woods  pursued  by  all  the  demons 
in  his  mental  inferno. 

When  he  returned  a  few  hours  later,  no  trace  of  the 
temi)estthat  had  so  recently  controlled  him  wan  visible. 
In  a  quiet  manner  he  wrote  Laura  an  explanation  of 
his  previous  day's  failure  to  keep  his  engagement. 
The  letter  explained  that  business  matters  had  come 
up  at  the  last  moment,  and  out  of  justice  to  his  employ- 
ers ho  was  obliged  to  give  them  his  attention.  He  had 
readied  the  wharf  in  time  to  sec  the  boat  far  out  with 
its  guy  party  of  excursionists.     Hu  was  too  iato  for  the 


40 


GOLD   DUST 


(I 


|i 


!t 


excursion,  but  not  too  late  to  see  them,  herself  and 
Robert  parting  at  the  gate  upon  their  return.  Regret- 
ting that  he  had  been  forced  by  the  exigencies  of  the 
case  to  cause  her  any  embarrassment,  he  should  await 
her  pleasure. 

Reading  this  dignified  epistle,  and  contrasting  his 
btainless  integrity  with  what  her  instinct  led  her  to 
believe  was  treachery  on  Robert's  part,  she  replied  in 
a  manner  neithc»  wholly  forgiving,  nor  wholly  relent- 
less. 

Allai'  treated  Laura  with  quiet  indifference,  though 
it  cost  him  a  great  effort  to  do  so.  He  studiously 
avoided  Robert,  and  to  that  end,  the  day  after  the  ex- 
cursion he  changed  his  boarding  pbnce,  giving  as  his 
reason  his  belief  that  it  would  give  general  satisfaction 
and  he  must  be  nearer  his  work.  He  realized  that  he 
would  seldom  see  Laura,  never  unless  perhaps  by 
chance  meeting  upon  the  street.  But  he  felt  that  the 
time  had  come  when  he  must  put  her  love  for  him  to 
the  test.  He  would  give  her  an  opportunity,  if  she 
was  weary  of  his  company,  to  recover  from  her  weari- 
ness. 

Laura  saw  his  trunk  go,  with  a  heavy  heart.  She 
was  up  stairs  in  her  room  and  she  did  not  come  down 
tiutil  he  sent  for  h.r.  She  met  him  in  the  parlor  very 
formally,  much  as  she  would  meet  an  ordinary  visitor. 
A  few  words  passed  between  them,  on  his  part  stern 
and  haughty;  on  her  part  petulant  and  foolishly  care- 
less, words  that  only  served  to  widen  the  breach  be- 
tween them. 

He  did  not  kiss  hor,  did  not  even  touch  her  hands, 
but  politely  bowed  himself  out  saying: 

"You  will  always  be  apprised  of  my  whrrcabouta 
sliould  vou  wish,  to  see  nic,  but  you  can  not  play  fast  and 
loose  with  me.     I  will  not  put  myeelf  against  any  nuin, 


GOLD    DUST 


41 


much  less  Robert  Morton,"  and  then  he  had  strode 
haughtily  out  of  the  door  and  left  her  i)outing  upon  the 
sofa.where  Helen  found  her  a  few  minutes  later  crying 
like  the  child  she  was,  and  in  no  mood  to  be  reasoned 

with. 

"You  don't  know  how  jealous  he  gets:  and  he's  cross 
at  me  if  I  look  at  Robert.  Why  can't  he  make  more 
money  if  ha  wants  me  to  marry  him?  He's  mad  because 
I  went  with  Robert   and    Nettie  and   came   home  with 

Robert." 

"You  should  have  know  that  Allan  did  not  stay  away 
from    the    excursion  yesterday  without    good    reason," 
replied  Helen.      "You    should  not    have    gone  without 
him  if  you  are  engaged   to    him,  and    certainly  should 
not  have   come    home  with    Robert    alone.     Allan  has 
reason  to  be  angry.      Laura,  a  man  like  Allan  is  not  to 
be  trilled  with.     He's  upright  and  clean-minded  if  lie 
is  poor.     As  you  value   your  own    happiness,  don't  be 
influenced  by  Robert's  money.     He  is  not  the  kind  of 
a  man  to  make  you  haj.py  ;  he's  too  coarse,  too  avari- 
cious.    If  you  care  for  him,  let  Allan  know  it,  you  are 
too  young  to  be  playing  the  ilirt  with  two  men  at  once. 
Either  give   up  Robert's   money  or  Allan's  manliness. 
You  can't  keep  both.      I'm  glad  Allan    has   left.     He's 
risen  mountain    high  in    my  estimation.     I'm  sorry  to 
be  disappointed  in    you.       Little    sister,  1  must  speak 
plainly  now  if  never  again.     You    are  doing  a  danger- 
ous thing,  you  arc  trilling  with  Allan." 

"I  can't  help  it  if  Robert  doe;;  like  me,  Allan  blames 

me  for  it." 

"Allan  has  aright  to  think  you  arc  trilling  with  him. 
Ho  blames  no  man  for  honestly  loving  you,  but  he  has 
a  right  to  he  first  in  your  affections  if  you  are  true  to 
him.     If  you  don't  care  for  him  let  him  know  it." 


il 


i 


I 


H 


43 


GOLD    DUST 


"You  needn't  scold  me,Helen.  I'm  sick  of  him  ;  he's 
a  tyrant, "  cried  Laura. 

"You  must  tell  him  so  and  let  him  be  undeceived, 
Laura." 

"Such  a  mean,  shabby  trick  to   play  me  yesterday," 

complained  Laura. 

"You'll  suffer  worse  ones  at  Robert's  hands,  I'm 
afraid, "  said  Helen  quietly.  "Do  you  remember  Locks- 
ley  Hall?  When  you  were  reading  it  the  other  day  I 
could  not  help  thinking  of  Robert— get  Tennyson's 
works,  Laura,  and  read  that  exquisite  poem  again,  and 
apply  the  verses  from  the  twenty-first  through  the  next 
five  to  Robert,  never  was  gospel  truer,"  and  Helen  left 
the  room. 

Laura  obeyed  Helen  in  so  far  as  she  read  the  part 
of  Tennyson's  poem  and  became  disgusted  with  the  lack 
of  appropriateness.  "The  idea  of  Robert  ever  liking  a 
horse  or  dog  better  than  me!  He  didn't  caie  for  horses 
or  dogs  at  all.  It  was  Allan  who  liked  horses  and  dogs, 
bah!"  and  she  flung  the  book  down,  and  went  out  upon 
the  porch,  where  from  the  west  side  she  could  see 
Robert  coming  home,  and  the  lines  of  the  twenty-fifth 
Stanza  again  filed  through  her  brain  : 

"Ho  will  hold  thee,  when  his  passion  shall  have  spent  its  novel 

force, 
Something  bettor  than  his  dog,  a  little  dearer  than  his  horse." 

And  Laura  fled  from  Robert,  why  she  could  not  tell, 
but  she  fled  in  a  sort  of  horror  that  could  not  be  con- 
founded with  bashfulness  or  coqucttishncss. 

In  the  next  few  days  Robert  did  not  see  Laura  ex- 
cept in  the  presence  of  one  or  more  of  the  family.  This 
only  served  to  drive  him  desperate.  So  a  week  passed 
during  wliicl  Allan  did  not  call.  He  had  seen  Laura 
at  chiifch  n  1(1  had  waited  outside  lor  her,  but  she  had 
bowed  distantly  and  passed  him  by. 


1 


i  S 


GOLD    DUST 


43 


I 


He  was  fast  becoming  a  slave  to  his  love  for  her. 
His  pride  was  giving  way,  so  heart  hungry  was  he  for 
her  loving  companionship.  She  had  grown  to  be  so 
much  more  than  life  to  him,  a  part  of  his  best  self, 
every  aim  and  every  wish,  every  hope  and  almost  every 
thought  were  so  completely  centered  about  Laura  that 
it  was  impossible  to  break  asunder  the  chains  which 
bound  him  closer  and  closer  every  day.  So  he  waited, 
hoping  she  would  send  for  him. 

About  a  week  after  the  excursion,  Laura  went  to  visit 
the  Warren  family.  While  there  they  arranged  for  a 
party  to  which  they  sent  invitations  to  Allan  and  Rob- 
ert and  Laura's  sisters  also.  Helen  declined,  but  Rob- 
ert again  took  Nettie.  She,  poor  simpleton,  was  glad 
to  subsist  upon  crumbs  J  at  least  she  could  have  his 
company  for  a  little  time,  if  he  did  care  more  for  her 
sister.    It  takes  very  little  to  make  a  fond  woman  happy. 

Expecting  to  meet  Laura,  Allan  went  with  the  firm 
intention  of  a  complete  reconciliation.  He  wrote  her 
that  he  was  going  to  be  there,  and  begged  her  to  con- 
sider herself  engaged  to  him. 

Despcrat  .-ly  jealous  of  his  cousin,  smarting  under 
the  humiliation  of  his  defeat  upon  the  day  of  the  ex- 
cursion, yet  as  a  drowning  man  clutches  at  a  straw, 
he  hoped  to  be  able  more  fully  to  prove  that  he  had 
been  the  victim  of  circumstances  on  that  occasion.  It 
was  a  very  small  straw  he  feared,  but  it  might  be  a 
helpful  straw;  at  least  it  was  the  only  one.  Beside 
he  had  not  obtained  her  forgiveness  for  what  she  no 
doubt  felt  was  a  gross  imposition. 

The  evening  of  the  party  arrived.  At  the  appointed 
hour  Robert  made  his  appearance  with  the  exalted 
Nettie.  He  had  gotten  himself  up  with  unusual  care. 
He  was  tall,  compact  and  well  built.  A  live,  magnetic 
man  of  generous  proportions,  bright  laughing  face  and 


lT~^ 


44 


GOLD    DUST 


sparkling  dark  eyes.  To-night  he  wore  tlie  look  of 
the  successful  business  man.  Even  Allan  with  his  fine 
form,  polished  manners  and  handsome  face  seemed  out- 
shone. 

There  was  an  air  of  proprietorship  about  him  this 
evening  that  seemed  to  indicate  that  the  part  was  got- 
ten up  expressly  for  him  at  his  request  and  to  meet  his 
views;  that  somehow,  he  and  not  Mr.  Warren,  was 
host.  He  was  notably  present  in  the  wine  room  until 
by  some  queer  manipulation  of  affairs  Allan  was  within 
its  doors. 

Allan  and  Robert  had  barely  spoken  when  they  met, 
but  now  when  Allan  re-considered  his  first  refusal  and 
concluded  to  take  "just  a  small  drink,"  the  waiter  was 
requested  to  "serve  him  with  the  best  brand  and  not 
be  stingy  in  the  amount,  Allan  Morton  was  his  cousin," 
all  in  a  voice  sufficiently  loud  for  Allan  to  hear,  but 
with  head  averted  so  that  he  failed  to  see  the  look  of 
the  treacherous  dark  eyes  of  the  speaker. 

A  little  later  Allan  had  become  confused  and  incoher- 
ent, and  Robert  who  was  not  far  distant  saw  that  a 
previously  concocted  plan  of  his  and  Warren's  was 
working  charmingly.  Allan  was  getting  reckless  under 
the  exhilarating  influence  of  Mr.  Warren's  wine.  WHiilc 
Robert  made  a  show  of  restraining  him  from  drinking 
too  freely,  he  secretly  egged  him  on  to  greater  excesses. 
Meantime,  he,  himself,  abstained  from  tasting  wine,  a 
thing  unusual,  but  he  must  not  offend  Laura,  and  ho 
must  keep  a  clear  head  to  night.  Again  he  fo\ind 
n\imberless  opportunities  to  wait  upon,  and  dance  with 
Laura.  Their  names  were  cotipled  together  as  he 
meant  they  should  be;  it  had  helped  on  tuany  an  en- 
gagement, and  he  would  have  the  impression  that  there 
was  reason  for  it.     Nothing  like  appearances. 

In  spite  of  her  love  for  Allan,  Laura  was    now  thor- 


w 


GOLD  DUST 


45 


oughly  ashamed  of   him.     AHan  was    led    upstairs  ami 
put  to  bed  in  a  state  of  intoxication. 

Exulting  ill  the  success  of  his  plans,  Robert  again 
escorted  Laura  home  that  night  together  with  Nettie, 
and  again  after  the  latter  had  left  the  parlor  and  sought 
her  own  room  to  weep  out  her  heart  over  the  loss  of 
her  lover,  Robert  proposed  and  was  unconditionally 
accepted. 

"You  know,  Robert,  I  loved  Allan  from  the  first,  but 
I  can't  love  any  longer  where  I  can't  respect,  and  I 
shall  never  respect  him  again  seeing  him  as  he  was  to- 
night," she  said,  as  Robert  placed  a  massive  gold  ring 
upon  her  finger. 

Laura  believed  her  words  and  would  not  even  own 
to  herself  that  she  was  only  humiliated.  Love  will 
stand  many  humiliations,  though  it  is  not  best  to  hu- 
miliate a  proud  woman  too  often,  nor  too  deeply. 

The  following  morning  Allan  woke  from  his  drunken 
sleep,  sick  and  overwhelmed  by  a  sense  of  his  dis- 
graceful conduct,  and  fearful  of  the  results.  lie  had 
a  confused  recollection  of  being  "played  upon"  the 
evening  before.  He  very  well  knew  that  Laura  would 
not  be  waiting  for  him,  though  he  asked  for  her,  in 
case  she  had  extended  her  visit  with  the  family.  He 
was  informed  by  Mrs.  Warren  that  she  had  gone  home 
accompanied  by  his  cousin.  He  resolved  that  he  nould 
not  return  to  his  boarding  place,  but  sought  his  work 
while  yet  under  the  influence  of  his  ])revious  night's 
excesses. 

His  flushed  face  and  trembling  liands  made  him  bun 
gle  his  work,  and  being  rebuked,  he  answered  sharply, 
\ipon  which  he  was  summarily  discharged. 

Almost  c'uzed  by  the  tide  that  had  set  in  against 
him,  he  sought  his  boarding  place,  packed  up  his  lew 
effects,  and  hastily  left  Toronto  in  search  of  work,  with- 


46 


GOLD  DUST 


1 


out  even  one  good  bye,  one   parting  word  to   cheer  or 
encourage  him. 

Falling  in  with  a  party  of  adventurers,  he  went  over 
into  the  United  States  with  them,  bound  for  the  West. 
And  so  we  will  leave  him  for  the  present,  journeying  away 
from  everything  that  his  heart  held  dear,  no  kind  word, 
perhaps  not  even  a  thought  to  lighten  his  wanderings. 

The  news  of  Allan's  departure  for  the  west  was  car- 
ried by  Robert  to  the  Bassett  family  and  lost  nothing 
in  point  of  color.  No  one  regretted  it  but  Nettie  who 
knew  that  now  there  was  no  hope  for  her,  as  there  was 
no  longer  any  doubt  that  Robert  would  be  successful 
in  his  suit  for  the  hand  of  her  young  sister. 

The  consent  of  Laura's  parents  already  gained,  Rob- 
ert hastened  the  wedding  day  which  had  been  set  to 
take  place  but  a  few  weeks  after  the  disappearance  of 
his  cousin.  He  feared  that  at  the  last  moment  there 
might  be  a  meeting  ;  Allan  might  return,  and  a  recon- 
ciliation take  place,  so   great    had    been    Laura's  love 

for  him. 

She  had  confessed  this  love  for  Allan  when  he,  Rob- 
ert, had  renewed  his  proposal.  So  he  hurried  on  the 
wedding-day  just  as  that  morning  he  hurried  on  the 
wedding  garments,  eagerly,  desperately,  as  though  for 
his  life,  nervously  as  though  fearing  defeat,  pacing 
back  and  forth  in  his  room  impatiently,  listening 
eagerly  to  the  sound  of  every  voice  below,  and  starting 
as  the  door  clanged  after  each  newcomer,  for  old  Mr. 
Br.ssett  had  bidden  all  his  friends  witness  the  mar- 
riage of  his  daughter  to  the  "likeliest  young  man  for 
miles  around." 

While  Robert  is  restlessly  pacing  up  and  down  his 
room,  in  another  room  the  bride  to  be  is  cowering  at 
her  father's  feet,  and  her  father's  tender  hands  gently 
resting  on  her    head,  fearful  of  disarranging  the  white 


lii 


GOLD  DUST 


47 


veil  and  orange  blossoms ;  the  hands  that  arc  always 
tender,  the  voice  always  kind  to  his  "little  girl"  are 
unheeded,  as  she  lays  her  snnny  head  upon  his  knee. 
Old  Mr.  Bassett  had  been  startled  into  breathless- 
ness  at  the  vision  of  loveliness,  when  at  her  request 
he  had  come  alone  to  her  room.  He  had  never  seen 
anything  so  lovely,  and    so  white,  but    she  always  was 

"skeery." 

Soon  they  were  informed  that  everything  and  every- 
body was  waiting  for  the  bride,  and  after  lifting  Laura 
to  her  feet,  a  kiss,  a  "God  bless  you,  child,  you  can't 
be  my  little  girl  any  more,  you  must  be  his,"  the  old 
man  opened  the  door  and  admitted  those  who  were  to 
form  the  bridal  procession  to  the  church. 

Every  one  remembered  long  afterward  the  white-faced 
bride,  brt  radiant  bridegroom,  and  many  had  nodded 
wisely  in  prophetic  misgivings,  for  it  was  generally 
known  that  she  had  once  been  engaged  to  Allan  Morton. 

So  the  day  came  and  went  that  witnessed  the  mar- 
riage of  Robert  Morton  and  Laura  Bassett.  He  was 
boisterously  happy,  and  she  tried  to  be,  and  thus  they 
settled  down  in  the  new  cottage  that  her  taute  and 
Robert's  money  had  made  exquisitely  lovely. 


CHAPTER  IV 

A  riFXE  or  NF.WS 

My  heart  stood  still  with  a  sudden  shock, 

And  a  terrible  fear  and  dread 
Came  over  me,  for  some  one's  lips 
Were  whispering,  "ho  is  dead," 
The  years  rolled  by.       To  Robert   Morton   they  had 
brought   prosperity  in   his    business  and  joy  to  him  in 
his  home.     His  wife  was  sweet  and  fait;  his  two  chil- 
dren beautiful  and  healthy. 


"^^ 


48 


GOLD  DUST 


h!    I! 


Nettie  had  gone  to  live  in  their  home,  patient  to 
help  care  for  his  children  and  find  a  shelter  beneath 
his  roof,  and  thus  made  her  living  in  a  much  pleasanter 
way  than  in  any  other  for  which  she  was  fitted. 

Helen  had  married  about  two  years  after  the  mar- 
riage of  Laura  and  Robert  and  had  moved  to  Brooklyn. 
The  old  folks  remained  on  the  Bassett  farm,  which 
was  not  far  distant  from  Robert's  residence.  At  vari- 
ous times  they  had  heard  that  Allan  was  in  the  United 
States,  but  beyond  an  occasional  report  the  quiet  of 
oblivion  had  engulfed  his  life. 

Robert  seldom  thought  of,  or  named  him.  If  Laura 
responded  at  ail  she  did  so  briefly.  The  old  wounds 
might  sting  and  rankle,  but  she  gave  no  visible  sign  of 
suffering.  If  she  ever  thought  of  Tennyson's  poem, 
Locksley  Hall,  she  said  nothing  to  that  effect.  She 
seemed  contented,  a  good  mother,  a  faithful,  but 
never  demonstrative  wife.  Nothing  of  the  lif:iit-hearted, 
merry,  laughing  Laura  remained. 

One  day  Robert  came  home  all  full  of  bustle  and 
energy  as  usual. 

"Well,  Laura,  what  do  you  suppose  I  'eard  to-day 
from  a  man  down  town?  Allan's  gone  to  fight  the 
hinjins  in  the  west!  Just  like  'im!  I  knew  'e'd  never 
settle  down  to  anything  of  hany  haccount,  'E'll  never 
be  worth  a  cent, so  he  might  has  well  go  hinto  the  harmy 
as  be  cutting  round  hall  over  God's  creation." 

Laura  listened  without  answering — he  was  used  to  her 
quiet  way  of  receiving  his  thunderbolts,  but  had  he 
looked  at  her  !  e  might  have  seen  a  nervous  clutching 
of  her  fingers,  an  unusual  pallor  overspreading  her 
face  ,then — crash!  and  the  glass  dish  she  had  held  in 
her  hand  was  shivcn d  into  atoms.  Of  course,  Robert 
noticed  that  au'l  tried  to  console  her  for  breaking  hef 


+ 


GOLD  DUST 


49 


set  of  preserve  dishes;  she  should  have  another,  better 
than  that. 

However,  Robert  soon  forgot  the  little  event ;  which 
was  but  a  ripple  in  his  busy  life.  He  hated  interrup- 
tions in  the  usual  routine;  he  liked  to  have  things 
move  smoothly. 

Robert  had  prospered  in  his  business,  had  enlarged 
the  cottage  and  refurnished  it  to  suit  his  wife  to  whom 
he  had  ever  been,  in  his  selfish  way,  kind  and  affec- 
tionate. 

If  Laura  had  ever  regretted  her  marriage  she  had 
given  no  sign.  At  times,  to  be  sure,  there  had  been 
little  differences  o^  inioti  between  them,  only  whiffs 
that  soon  died  <lo\vu  and  left  no  serious  consequences. 

But  she  had  grown  colder  and  quieter  as  the  years 
had  passed  by  Robert  seemed  oblivious  of  any  great 
change,  for  'ic  was  too  happy  in  the  posseission  of  this 
woman  and  her  children,  and  too  busy  money  making 
to  let  it  worry  him.  He  loved  her  with  all  the  strength 
of  his  seliish  nature,  and  was  good  and  kind  to  her, 
and  so  thought,  of  course,  she  must  be  satislied. 

He  was  yet  fond  of  quoting  his  favorite  maxim, 
"Mone\' will  tell."  He  was  just  as  fond  of  illustrating 
it  to  the  world,  which  after  all  was  not  a  very  large 
world.  He  was  bound  up  in  the  accumulation  of  money 
and  the  love  of  one  woman  and  her  children. 

Money  '.naking  is  not  conducive  to  the  truest  refine- 
ment, if  love  for  a  good  woman  is,  and  Robert  was  not 
more  a  gentleman  with  the  flight  of  time.  In  fact,  it 
did  not  need  a  discriminating  eye  or  exquisite  taste 
to  perceive  that  the  Robert  of  to-day  had  lost  much  if 
not  all  of  the  external  polish  that  the  Robert  whom 
Allan  hated  for  his  boorishness,  possessed.  He  had 
gotten  the  prize ;  no  need  to  bother  his  head  about 
keeping  her.    He  always  found  her  dainty,  though  grow- 


50 


GOLD  DUST 


\  t 


i 


ing  quieter  every  day.  Of  course,  she  was  busy,  a 
woman  had  to  be  to  keep  a  house  and  children  so  well 
and  orderly,  and  to  be  always  neat  and  tidy. 

And  so  he  did  not  notice  the  cold  passive  manner  of 
his  wife  nor  the  touch  of  her  irresponsive  lips.  He 
never  thought  that  she  possessed  soul.  He  provided 
her  with  plenty  of  money ,  that  was  his  first  and  most 
serious  purpose,  next  to  the  money-making,  and  he 
was  good  to  her  in  his  way. 

Then  she  fell  into  the  habit  of  thinking,  and  just 
there  is  where  she  made  a  mistake ;  she  should  have 
thought  less.  It  is  not  a  good  practice,  this  thinking 
with  the  doors  locked.  Ah,  it  is  best  not  to  think! 
Better  to  dash  down  into  the  everlasting  kitchen  and 
wash  and  clatter  the  dishes  and  even  scold  the  romp- 
ing children;  creating  a  great  noise  will  help  drown 
the  echoes  of  that  sweet  voice  that  makes  such  danger- 
ous music  among  the  quivering  hearts-strings. 

And  then  when  evening's  work  is  done,  the  kitchen 
work,  for  woman's  work  is  never  done,  get  out  that 
inevitable  basket  of  mending  and  mend,  mend,  darn, 
darn,  but  don't  think,  but  don't  think,  don't  think. 
Just  watch  the  shining  needle  go  in  and  out  of  the 
ragged  edges  of  that  huge  man's  coarse,  rough  stocking, 
don't  think  that  shining  needle  might  make  a  good 
dagger  to  case  your  aching  heart!  Just  sew  gracefully 
now,  as  becomes  such  graceful  dainty  work  for  such  a 
graceful  dainty  creature! 

Well,  you  may  sliiver,  but  hard  practical  work  is  best 
for  restlessness  and  rebellion.  Hut  do  not  go  to  that 
piano  and  touch  with  your  trembling  fingers  its  keys; 
they  will  only  mock  you,  Annie  Laurie.  They  know 
too  much  of  your  past;  and  then  you  have  no  one  to 
turn  the  IcHvesof  your  music!  The  shapely  hands  that 
did  such  gentle    service    50    gracefully  long    ago,  may 


GOLD  DUSr 


5J 


be  grasping  a  saber,  or  stiffening  in  death.     Your  pride 
and  love  of  money  stung  him  to  death  and  ruin. 

Hark!  gentle  footfalls  approach  the  closed  door.  A 
childish  voice  begs  admittance.  This  one  you  cannot 
deny,  and  your  trembling  feet  carry  you  to  the  door. 
You  give  audience  to  this  little  one  who  looks  like  a 
miniature  Annie  Laurie  of  long  ago,  only  she  has  ej-es 
of  deepest  blue ;  and  looking  into  their  depths  you 
cannot  deny  the  childish  appeal  to  come  in.  You  let 
her  come  and  stand  by  your  side,  and  touch  with  those 
tiny  pink  fingers  "pitty  mamma's  hair,"  gently  smooth- 
ing the  fluffy  masses,  now  and  then  giving  the  pale 
chet  ks  a  tender  pat  as  if  in  pity. 

Robert  was  in  no  way  disturbed    by  the  news  of  his 
cousin's  departure  for  the  scenes  of  the  Indian  troubles 
in  the  western  part  of  the  States.     He  was  glad  indeed. 
Best  thing  in  the  world.      He  was  happy  with  his  wiie 
and  children,  and   Nettie  to  help  lighten  the  burden  of 
domestic  cares  for  Laura.     He  believed  upon  the  whole 
it  was  a  good  plan  to  keep  Nettie  in  the  house.     Some- 
how the  household   machinery  seemed   to  work   better 
than   ever,  for  Nettie  was  always  well  and  strong,  and 
was  sure  to  have  his  meals  ready,  and  took  good  care 
that   his    iiousehold    was    in  order.     Somehow   Laura 
was  not  able  to  work,  though   she  never  complained. 
Nettie   was  good-tempered,  cheerful   and  kind   to  the 
children.     Somehow  Laura  was  getting  awfully  nervous 
of  late.     Guess    she  wasn't  very 'strong,  she    looked  so 
white.     Yes  'e'd  keep  Nettie  ami  she  would    take  care 
of  the  children,  and  would  have    his  meals   ready  and 
relieve  Laura  of  that  worry.     He  might  consult  a  doc- 
tor, n  doctor  was  just  the  idea;  ho  wo\jld  bring  her  »ip 
all  ri^lit.      He  eo\ild  afford  a  good  doctor,  the  best  for 
his  wife.      He*  had  money,  and    nHuu-y  woulil  tell  with 
doctors.     Of  courau,  tlioy'd    soon    cure    lier,  ninki   In  i 


! 

if 


t- 


52 


GOLD  DUST 


It     < 


ft 
\  H 

III: 


III! 


Strong  and  well.  Money  would  do  it.  He  knew  she 
was  reading  too  much  of  late,  always  reading  the  papers. 
A  doctor  would  make  her  quit  reading  the  j)apers.  She 
was  too  nervous.  He'd  see  a  doctor  right  off.  But  first 
he  must  run  right  down  to  the  office  and  see  Benner 
about  that  little  matter,  they  might  make  a  cool  ^5,000 
out  of  that  deal. 

And  so  Robert  did  not  consult  a  doctor  and  the  days 
passed  by  ;  he  never  thought  of  it  again.  Instead,  one 
night  in  early  spring  he  came  home  looking  unusually 
sober,  and  holding  a  paper  in  his  hand.  Laura  from 
her  upstairs  window  saw  him,  and  glided  softly  down 
the  stairs  with  quaking  heart.  It  was  an  unusual  thing 
for  him  to  bring  a  paper  in  his  hand.  She  knew  that 
the  paper  contained  something  of  sober  import.  She 
had  a  premonition  of  it. 

"What's  the  matter,  Robert?  What's  gone  wrong?" 
asked  Nettie  as  she  marshalled  the  children  to  supper. 

"Been  looking  hover  the  papers,  been  reading  some 
news  'bout  ihe  trouble  hover  the  hinjins  in  the  States. 
"Aven't  ]iai(l  much  attention  to  that  fuss,  but  it  seems 
has  if  I  'ad  to  to-night,  'nd  the  first  thing  my  eye.  lit 
on  on  the  list  of  kilh.'d  was  Al's  name,  shot  through  the 
heart.      Poor  frilow!  he's  gone  at  last." 

"Hush!  supper's  ready,  Robert.  Come,  children,  sup- 
per's ready  and  getting  cold  Hush!  don't  you  sec, 
Robert,"  said  Nettie  under  her  breath,  impatiently 
thinking  to  herself.  '^Why  will  men  always  bring  their 
bad  news  home  at  meal  time?" 

Pausing  and  following  with  his  ej'os  Nettie's  mute 
sign,  Robert  saw  Laura  standing  in  the  door-way  list- 
ening to  his  news.  'I'hen  without  a  word  she  (piietly 
came  in  and  in  n  dazed  sort  r^f  way  sat  down  at  the 
head  of  the  table.  She  iiover  onco  Inokoil  ut  \\\\\\.  t!mt 
great  robust  nmn  who  sat  and   gabbled  between  gulps 


GOLD  DUST 


53 


of  tea  and  huge  mouthfuls  of  food,  gabbled  of  his  sor- 
row at  Allan's  death,  sandwiching  between  food  and 
drink  his  foregone  prophetic  opinions,  lacerating  the 
bursting  heart  of  that  wretched  woman  who  sat  oppo- 
site him    for  the  express    purpose  of    replenishing  his 

teacup. 

Sometimes  she  looked  steadily  into  the  blue  eyes  of 
Una  thf^  -Uiust  child,  her  white  lips  moving  faintly, 
and  ar  ng  all  demands  for  '"nothor  cup  o'  tea"  with 

silent  compliance. 

Robert  asks  if  she'll  '"ave  some  meat,"  but  seems 
not  to  notice  that  she  pays  no  heed  to  his  question. 
She  is  not  even  disgusted  or  shocked  as  in  former 
times  at  his  marvelous  feats  in  devouring  huge  quan- 
tities of  food.  She  sits  quiet,  gazing  stonily  into  va- 
cancy, sometimes  raising  her  eyes  when  one  of  tho 
children  speaks,  but  always  quiet. 

Nettie  notices  that  there  is  not  even  a  flutter  of  tho 
eyelids,  not  a  quiver  of  the  lips,  and  she  wonders  with 
inward  terror  if  her  sister  is  going  mad,  for  she  knows 
that  for  all  the  quiet  manner  Laura  is  suffering  deeply. 
She  watches  her  intently,  furtively  gut  tho  corners  of 
her  eyes,  and  is  sure  that  she  is  controlling  herself  by 
a  great  effort. 

Robert  was  comforted  for  tho  loss  of  his  cousin  by 
a  hearty  supper  Tlum  he  went  down  after  supper  to 
spread  his  news.  His  wretched  wife  was  glad  to  hear 
his  heavy  step  go  out  tli(>.  door  and  go  crunching  off 
down  tho  gravel  walk.  Her  heart  said.  "I'm  glad  he  is 
gone;"  her  palo  lips  forebore  to  uttci  such  disloyal 
words,  even  in  the  silence  of  hrr  own  room  to  which 
she  had  dragged  hir  weary,  trembling  limbs,  almost 
sinking  down  upon  tho  stairs.  Uut  she  wanted  to  get 
away  Ijy  herMcH.  Sho  htd  kopt  up  so  far  with  thoBQ 
terribluwords  ringing  in  her  uars,nn  '  that  man's  crunch- 


m 


Jil 


54 


GOLD  DUST 


! 


il 


ing  jaws  and  disconnected  gabble  jarring  upon  her  heart- 
strings. Now  she  sinks  down  and  all  her  pent-up  grief 
bursts  forth  in  a  passion  of  tears.  Thank  God  for  tears! 
they  have  saved  many  a  breaking  heart. 

Robert  entered  the  sitting-room  that  evening  at  nine 
o'clock,  with  some  hesitation.  His  whole  manner  was 
subdued.  With  the  feeling  as  of  one  just  awakening 
from  a  troubled  dream  or  nightmare,  he  had  sought 
his  office  and  there  pondered  over  the  strange  appear- 
ance of  his  wife  as  he  had  seen  her  standing  in  the 
doorway.  She  was  so  white  that  he  should  have  feared 
a  complete  collapse  if  she  had  not  been  so  calm  all 
through  the  supper.  He  knew  that  she  felt  badly,  and 
he  told  himself  that  he  was  soft-hearted  not  to  resent 
her  evident  grief  for  his  cousin.  How  bad  she  felt  he 
could  not  tell;  one  never  could  tell  the  depths  of  a 
quiet  woman's  grief,  and  she  had  grown  so  very  still 
and  quiet  of  late.  There  was  no  knowing  what  she 
would  do,  but  she  would  get  over  it.  He  would  not 
worry  her,  else  he  might  make  her  worse.  He  resolved 
to  go  home  and  ask  Nettie  ;  she  had  seemed  to  under- 
stand Laura  perfectly.  So  he  retraced  his  steps  and 
when  he  entered  the  parlor  he  was  relieved  to  find  Net- 
tie alone. 

The  cliildren  had  been  put  to  bed  early,  thanks  to 
Nettir'9  forethought,  and  Nettie  was  there  to  meet 
Robert  and  answer  such  questions  as  he  choso  to  ask 
concerning  his  wife. 

"It  was  frightful  to  see  her,  K'obert,  standing  thero 
so  white  and  liorrificd,  and  she  never  shed  a  tear.  I 
co\ild  hardly  keep  from  crying  myself,  at  the  news,  and 
you  know  I  never  liked  Allan  much.  But  to  be  shot 
down  in  battle!  Owe  must  have  a  heart  of  atone  not 
to  feel  sorry  for  the  poor  fellow's  sad  fate." 

"Ves,  yes,  hit's  too  bad  for  A),  but  that's  the  fortune 


GOLD  DUST 


55 


hof  war.     Didn't  Laura  say  lianything  before  she  went 

hupstairs?" 

"Not  a  word,  just  left  the  room  in  that  strange,  quiet 
way  of  hers  that  has  been  growing  upon  her  for  some 

time." 

'"ow  long  before  she  first  began  to  read  the  papers? 
She   used   to  'ate  newspapers,  once  she  wouldn't   look 

hat  one." 

"She's  been  reading  the^apers  ever  since  you  brought 
home  the  news  of  his  going  to  the  States.  Seems  as 
if  she  expected  something,  and  she  hadn't  laughed  a 
hearty  laugh  since.      Indeed,  she  seldom  ever  smiles." 

"Does  she  never  say  lianything  ?     Never  talk  of  Allan 

to  you?" 

"Once  I  asked  her  if  she  had  ever  heard  anything 
about  him,  but  she  asked  me  in  an  icy  tone,  "why  she 
should  know  anything  about  Allan?"  since  then  1  have 
kept  still  about  him." 

"Where  is  she  now?" 

-In  her  room.     She's  been  there  since  you   left   the 

house." 

Robert  started  toward  the  door,  then  paused,  came 
back  an  1  sat  down,  saying  in  a  troubled  way: 

"I  guess  I'll  not  disturb  'er.  If  she  wants  to  cry 
halone,  tears  won't  'urt  'er,  and  tlicy  can't  bring  'iui 
back.     I  knew  she  liked  'im  before  we  were  married." 

-And  she  hasn't  got   over  it  yet,  Robert,  be   sure  of 

that. " 

"I  s'poso  not;  though  I've  tried  by  kindness  to  win 
'er  from  all  thoughts  of  'im.  But  she  was  desperately 
in  lovo  with  'im  at  one  time.  S'pose  hit  all  came  back 
when  she  'curd  he  was  in  danger,  poor  girl  I  and  Rob- 
ert concluded  with,  a  sigh  that  told  how  much  he  felt 
his  failure  to  win.  iht-  uudividyd  love  oi  his  idolized 
wife. 


111 


K\  'I 

P 
ft 


f[ 


11 


f,:i 


i 


'11; 


56 


GOLD  DUST 


lii 


He  stood  gazinff  moodily  into  the  fire-place  for  some 
time,  evidently  ill  at  ease. 

"1  wonder  if  I  had  better  go  up  and  see  her?"  asked 
Nettie. 

"No,  no.  Don't  do  that.  She  won't  like  hit,  I'm 
certain,  only  make  matters  worse.  I'll  go  soon  if  she 
cares  to  see  me.  Hif  not,  well  I'll  wait;  all  I  can  do 
I  s'pose.  Can't  make  a  woman  like  me  against  'er 
will,"  said  Robert  a  little  bitterly  for  the  first  time. 

"They  say  time  will  heal  all  griefs.  Perhaps  she 
will  get  over  this  when  she  sees  there's  no  help  for  it, 
that  he  is  gone  and  she  can't  see  him,"  said  Nettie  con- 
solingly, though  she  did  not  believe  it.  Robert  did  not 
answer.he  was  thinking  of  his  love  for  that  silent  woman, 
that  unloving  wife  who  was  breaking  her  heart  for  an- 
other man  ;  and  here  was  a  woman  whose  eyes  followed 
him  constantly,  full  of  devotion. 

With  all  his  faults  Robert  Morton  possessed  a  warm, 
generous  heart,  ready  sympathies  ihat  brought  the  tears 
to  his  eyes  at  mere  thought  of  his  wife's  unavailing 
love  and  sorrow.  So  he  resolved  to  be  patient  and 
kind  to  her  whose  unswerving  loyalty  in  every  outward 
wifely  duty  had  so  blinded  him.  When  he  thought  of 
all  the  past,  over  four  years,  that  she  had  lived  with 
him,  with  this  love  burning  into  her  heart,  and  had  yet 
been  dutiful  and  faithful  to  him  and  his  children,  now 
as  he  reviewed  it  all,  his  heart  felt  not  one  pang  of 
unreasonable  jealousy  of  his  dead  rival.  He  pitied  her, 
if  she  had  loved  Allan  all  through  those  years,  yet 
never  once  mentioning  his  name  except  in  the  most 
commonplace  manner,  and  never  once  failing  in  her  duty 
as  wife  and  mother,  he  could  trust  her;  perhaps,  God 
knows,  lie  might  win  her  yet  to  forget  Al  when  time 
had  iionied  her  nching  heart. 

So  full  of  the  tender  charity  so  rare  under  such  ci^ 


GOLD  DUST 


57 


cumstances,  Robert  lumbered  up  stairs  and  knocked 
timidly  at  the  door  of  their  chamber,  listening  vainly 
or  an  answer.  Opening  the  door  softly  he  con  ronted 
the  tear-stained  face  of  his  wife  whose  eyes  fell  under 
his  close  though  kind  scrutiny. 

"I'm  sorry  you  take  Al's  death  so  l^adly,  Laura.  1 
thou'^ht  you  -ad  gotten  over  hall  that."  He  moved  to 
her  side  and  laid  his  arm  kindly  around  her  shoulder, 
vet  she  remained  silent. 

•■Can't  you  hcver  get  hover  it?  You  mu.t  know  .t 
h'ain't  very  easy  for  me  to  see  my  wife  gnevmg  for 
hanother  man.  Can't  you  try,  Laura,  for  the  dulJren  s 
sake,  and  your  own,  if  not  for  --' 

His  voice  was  tender,  even    lAseccuiub 
to  break  the  icy  barriers   that    had    bouiul    her    heart- 
strings, and  with  a  gasping  sob  she  cried  out :      ^ 

•'Oh'  I  have  tried  all  these  years,  and  thought  x  had 
succeeded,  but  it  all  comes  back  again.  I'm  not  fitto 
be  your  wife,  Robert,  but  I  can't  forget  Allan,  yet  1 

His  hand  dropped  away  from  her  shoulder  at  this 
confession.  It  was  true  enough.  He  had  hoped  that 
she  would  bo  able  to  deny  it.  But  she  loved  his  cousin 
hopelessly  and  though  his  own  love  was  as  hopele.s 
as  hers  for  Allan,  he  nni.t  yet  love  her  -l^^^'^l' 
He  knew  that  tears  would  not  hurt  her.  I  that  icy 
calmness  returned  again  it  might  kill  her,  and  believing 
that  she  wanted  to  be  alone  he  said : 

'•You  are  best  luUono  to-night.     I'll  he  down  on  the 

sitting-room  lounge,  and  you'd  better  give  hup  and  go 

to  bed  hat  once.     If  there's  anything  1  can  do  for  you. 

you  can  let  me  know."  r^r  „„ 

Ho  saw  with  deep  humiliation   the  look  of  relief  on 

her  face  us  she    uirnod  away  without   answering   him. 

Hn  knew  that   she  was  glad   to   be  alone,  for  she  was 

all  unstrung  and  trembling  with  repressed  gnci. 


e 


!1 


fi: 


1       I 

m 


hi. 


1 1  I 


58 


GOLD  DUST 


Laura  was  glad  to  hear  liis  lioavy  step  descend  tlie 
stairs.  She  had  not  thought  that,  with  all  his  kind- 
ness, he  would  permit  even  the  grim  spectre  of  his 
dead  cousin  to  fill  his  place,  so  uncomplainingly.  She 
deeply  felt  her  unworthiness  of  his  patient  forbearance. 

Robert  Morton  was  never  so  much  a  gentleman,  as 
when  he  left  that  room  in  which  he  had  a  royal  right 
to  remain,  his  recreant  wife  hugging  to  her  heart  the 
picture  of  his  dead  rival.  This  tender  charity  and  self 
abnegation  refined  away  much  that  was  commonplace 
in  his  nature  which  had  been  so  offensive  to  his  un- 
happy wife  through  ail  her  married  life.  She  felt  so 
humiliated,  yet  grateful  for  so  much,  to  be  let  alone  to 
cry  her  heart  out  and  gain  the  mastery  over  herself 
before  another  day  should  demandher  constant  pres- 
ence below. 

So  Robert  mercifully  left  her  alone  to  battle  with  her 
grief  and  overcome  it  if  she  could.  It  had  been  a  hard 
fought  battle,  the  hardest  of  her  life,  it  had  been  the 
saddest  night  of  her  life,  too.  She  had  wept  and  prayed 
and  cursed  by  turns,  cursed  with  glittering  eyes  and  set 
teeth  the  fate  that  had  severed  her  from  her  young  lover 
in  those  old  days  ;  cursed  herself  for  her  faithlessness, for 
well  she  knew  that  Robert's  money  had  accomplished 
it  all.  Sometimes  in  her  wrath  she  was  glad,  yes,  glad, 
t'lat  he  knew  of  her  love  for  his  cousin,  and  she  would 
taunt  him  with  it!  OhI  she  cared  nothing  for  his  feel- 
ings. His  feelings  indeed!  what  were  his  feelings  to 
hers?     Hor  heart  would  burst  with  its  load  of  grief! 

Then  she  grew  calmer  again  and  sat  tearless  and 
thoughtful.  Remorse  for  what  had  seemed  to  be  an 
unpnrdonablc  and  dishonorable  weakness  had  overcome 
her,  and  tearful  prayers  had  succeeded  wrath. 

So  the  night  had  passed.  Sometimes  she  heard  a 
mulBed  footfall   upon  the  floor  outside  her  room,  and 


GOLD  DUST 


59 


once  or  twice  she  had  heard  a  heavy,  lumbering  sound 
as  though  a  big  dog  were  lying  outside  the  door  on 
the  mat.  Was  it  Robert?  And  she  had  cursed  him 
for  tempting  her  with  his  money !  Robert  whose  strong 
arm  she  had  shrunk  from,  caring  little  for  his  sympathy 
so  long  as  he  left  her  alone  with  her  grief,  and  Allan's 
picture.  Robert,  her  own  husband,  her  childen's  father! 
Had  it  been  he  who,  tired  and  no  doubt  sorrowful 
at  her  grief,  was  lying  there  in  the  cold,  and  she,  poor 
weak  wretch,  disloyal  and  almost  criminal,  was  break- 
ing her  hear',  over  a  dead  lover? 

So  the  morning  had  dawned  and  found  her  calmer, 
and  humiliated  by  her  own  weakness,  yet  with  a  new 
resolution  in  her  heart  to  be  a  better,  truer  wife. 

Robert  made  a  great  show  of  attention  to  the  chil- 
dren while  talking  and  laughing  immoderately  at  the 
most  unlaughable  things.  He  took  but  the  merest 
notice  of  his  wife  for  which  she  was  grateful.  She  had 
been  so  accustomed  to  his  kind  solicitude  that  she  could 
scarcely  understand  this  new  phase.  What  did  he 
mean?     Had  he  cast  her  off. 

Then  she  submitted  to  the  caresses  of  the  little  ones 
who  were  trying  to  make  amends  for  their  father's 
omission.  Butshemissedsomething,something  that  had 
been  of  great  value  to  her  in  her  narrow  life  ;  something 
that  had  grown  to  be  a  want,  a  necessary  ailment  of  lier 
nature,  something  which,  from  the  very  surety  of  it  in 
the  part  that  had  been  a  staff  upon  which  she  had  un- 
consciously leaned,  though  she  hud  held  another  image 
in  her  heart  the  while. 

She  remembered  an  old  saying  of  her  mother's:  "Be- 
ware  of  the  anger  of  a  patient  man."  Was  he  "angry 
at  last?"  He  liad  once  told  her  that  there  was  a  limit 
to  his  endurance.  Hml  ^he  gone  beyond  the  limit 
when  she  had  told  him  that  she  could  not  forget  his 


II 

111 

%\ 

III 
\\ 
1' 


i'l 


4,1 


'it 


.  t; 


!    I 

4 
m 


6o 


GOLD  DUST 


cousin?  Had  he  not  known  it  all  tliese  years?  Had 
he  been  blind  to  her  coldness?  For  some  time  she  had 
been  so  weary  of  her  bonds  that  she  must  have  shown 
it  in  her  manner. 

So  with  these  thoughts  that  helped  divert  her  mind 
from  that  other  grief,  she  was  awake  to  external  influ- 
ences, and,  consequently  seemed  to  have  roused  herself 
to  the  needs  of  the  hour,  and  the  performance  of  her 
usual  duties  and  observances  of  her  place.  And  thus 
she  had  gained  control  of  her  feelings  and  appeared 
calm  to  Nettie  and  Robert  on  the  morning  after  the 
news  of  Allan's  death,  and  as  the  day  had  worn  away 
and  she  had  betrayed  no  great  agitation  in  either  man- 
ner   or    look,  they  wisely  concluded   to    say    no   more 

about  it. 

Thus  it  came  about  that  what  Laura  believed  to  be 
the  result  of  jealousy  upon  Robert's  part  was  kind  con- 
sideration, perhaps  kinder  because  blinded  by  her  calm- 
ness to  a  sense  of  the  real  depths  of  her  grief  for  his 
cousin.  Had  Robert  half  divined  the  strength  of  Lau- 
ra's will,  the  power  of  self-control,  and  realized  that 
in  just  such  proportion  was  her  power  to  love  and  hate, 
knowing  that  she  did  love  his  cousin,  he  might  well 
have  trembled  at  the  possible  results,  were  his  cousin 
alive.  But  he  never  took  the  trouble  to  analyze  her 
manner  and  looks,  to  attach  any  significance  to  them 
beyond  the  fact  that  she  was  quiet,  did  not  talk  much, 
which  he  believed  as  near  to  a  state  of  perfection  as 
woman  could  possible  attain. 

But  Robert  was  sure  of  one  thing,  Allan  was  dead 
and  could  be  only  a  memory,  after  all,  and  feeling  sure 
as  to  the  correctness  of  the  office  reports  of  his  cousin's 
death,  hp  wisely  put  on  a  brave  face,  thinking  that  in 
treating  the  whole   unpleasant  affair  lightly,  he  would 


GOLD    DUST 


61 


divest  his  wife's  grief  of  half  its  bitterness,  dignity,  and 

sacredness. 

Sensible  man!  instead  of  looking  unutterable  things 
and  swearing  vehemently  and  noisily  to  leave  her,or  send 
her  back  to  her  mother,  he  never  referred  to  the 
matter,  seeming  as  cheerful,  perhaps  more  cheerful 
than  ever,  kinder  if  possible  to  the  children,  more  lavish 
in  his  provision  for  the  household,  and,  according  to 
his  life-long  faith  in  the  power  of  money,  he  put  several 
new  coins  in  his  wife's  never  empty  purse,  saying  to 
himself,  "money  will  'elp  'er  to  forget  hit  all.  'e  never 
'ad  any.     I've  got  plenty,  and  money  will  tell." 


CHAPTER  V 
Laura's  struggle 

And  my  soul  from  out  the  "shadow 
That  lies  floating  on  the  floor 
Shall  be  lifted— nevermore.— Poe. 

For  a  few  days  Laura  avoided  her  old  father's  keen 
eyes  and  quiet  remarks  that  somehow  probed  to  the 
bottom  of  her  heart.  No  one  could  see  as  he  had  seen, 
and  no  one  could  lay  bare  her  weaknesses  and  failures 
to  her  own  eyes  as  well  as  he,  and  so  she  avoided  him 
even  when  her  heart  told  her  tiiat  his  sympathy  would 
be  so  patient,  tender,  though  uncompromising.  She 
knew  that  he  would  bid  her  root  out  the  worse  than 
folly  from  her  disloyal  heart,  and  she  could  not,  she 
had  tried  but  she  could  not. 

A  few  days  afterward,  when  people  had  found  noth- 
ing new  to  tell  her  of  Allan,  nothing  new  to  guess  or 
imagine,  or  invent,  because  they  were  tired  of  the  sub- 
ject, Robert  brought  home  and  left  upon  the  table  quite 
inadvertently,  another  paper,  a  Chicago  paper. 


11 1 

\ 


4il 


62 


GOLD    DUST 


flu 


That  paper  not  only  contained  reports  of  certain 
prospects  in  real  estate,  stock  reports,  grain  deals,  etc., 
all  of  which  Robert  was  watching  with  great  interest 
with  an  eye  to  the  future,  but  it  contained  a  late  and 
full  account  of  the  charge  of  Allan's  company,  dwelling 
upon  his  unusual  daring  and  courage,  of  the  manner  in 
which  he  met  his  death,  dwelling  upon  the  details  of 
Allan's  small  company  against  hundreds  of  the  foe. 

Laura  did  not  go  down  to  supper,  but  that  evening 
when  Robert  had  gone  out  and  x-Iett'e  had  settled  down 
to  a  new  novel,  and  when  she  thougnt  her  parents  were 
asleep  in  their  old  home,  she  stole  to  the  old  arbor 
and  amid  its  dusky  shadows  cowered  in  dreadful  an- 
guish that  would  not  be  smothered.  And  as  she  cow- 
ered and  moaned,  heedless  of  time  o:  event,  a  iaitering 
step  tottered  down  the  walk  and  approached  the  arbot 
door  that  now  always  stood  open  because  it  refu'-ed  to 
close. 

So  nothing  hindered  him  from  hearing  her  piteously 
pleading  and  calling  upon  the  dead,  "AlLin,  comeback 
and  forgive  me!  come  back!  come  back  just  once  and 
touch  my  hand  in  token  of  forgiveness.  Out  of  the  grave, 
or  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  dead  or  alive  comeback! 
Oh,  my  love,  I  am  true  to  you!  I  will  be  true  till 
death.     Only  come  back,  dead  or  alive!" 

Struck  almost  dumb  with  surprise  and  horror  the 
old  man  could  only  gasp  out : 

"Why,  Laura!  what's  the  matter,  child?" 

"You  know,  father.  You've  heard  Allan  was  shot  by 
the  Indians  in  the  States,  and  I  have  killed  him.  I've 
killed  him  just  as  truly  as  though  I  had  shot  liim  my- 
self." 

"The  Lord  pity  ye,  ye  poor  misguided  child!  the 
Lord  pity  'nd  forgive  you  'nd  heap  on  my  old  sitiful 
head  the  weight  of  his  wrath  for  your  love  for    nother 


I 


GOLD    DUST 


63 


man  as  ain't  vour  own  husband!  Come,  set  down,  child, 
ye'U  wear  yourself  out.  Sit  down;  yer  can't  help  it 
nohow,  and  maybe  we  can  reu.oa  1 :  all  out  together.  ' 
"Don't  talk  to  me  of  reason!  You  -now  1  loved  him 
always.     Why  did  you  let  m-  itarry  ::aat  brute— "^ 

"Hush!  child,  not  a  word  aga  U3^  yer  husband,"  her 
father  exclaimed  severely,  intenupting  her  as  she  flung 
out  the  hot  words  in  bitter  denunciation. 

"What  is  he,  then?  My  tyrant,  and  1  hate  him,  I 
hate  him.  I  loathe  him,  the  brute!"  and  she  hissed 
out  the  words  with  fearful  venom. 

There  in  the  dusky  shadows  the  old  man's  dim  eyes 
saw  her  passionately  clinching  her  hands  and  swaying 
back  and  forth  in   her   mingled  sorrow  and  fury.     i3ut 
he  did  not  condemn  her.     How  could  he  deal   harshly 
with  Lhis  remorseful  soul?     She  was  his  child,  his  best 
loved,  and  just  now  she  was  back  again  as  in  the  long 
ago,  his  little  one,  needing  his  love,  his  sympathy  and 
patience.     And  in  the  dimness   the   sight  of  ir  s;  grief 
and  sound  of  her  broken  voice  bridged    the  long  lapse 
of  silent  years  that  had  made   her  coldness   grieve  his 
fond  old  heart. 

Groping  his  way  blindly  through  the  mist  of  tears, 
and  tb  -  shadows  of  the  arbor,  he  bent  over  her  in  infi- 
nite pity  and  yearning. 

"It's  all  my  fault,  all  my  fault,  every  bit!  not  any- 
body elj^c.  Just  blame  me,  I  can  bear  it,  only  tell  yer 
old  pa  all  about  this  thing  as  has  been  worryin'  ye. 
I'll  not  blr-me  ye  and   maybe  we   can  think  it   all   out 

together." 

He  was  bending  above  her,  tenderly  stroking  her 
bowed  head,  in  the  gloom.  He  was  glad  of  the  shad- 
ows, friendly  shadows  to   thus    shield  her    honor  from 

chance  curiosity. 

And  when  in  broken  sobs  and  tears  she  hud  told  him 


f  f 


li 

1   I 
!  t 

ill* 


.■I 

M 

!  1' 


64 


GOLD    DUST 


II   ) 


of  the  years  of  ceaseless  strife,  trying  to  be  patient  and 
endure;  trying  to  root  out  of  her  heart  the  old  love; 
hoping  against  hopelessness  that  she  might  succeed, 
failing  often  and  renewing  her  efforts,  then  the  shock 
of  the  first  news  of  his  departure  for  the  States,  the 
long  silence,  now  his  death  at  the  hands  of  the  cruel 
Indians;  his  death  was  her  fault,  she   had    killed  him. 

With  dim  eyes  Mr.  Bassett  knelt  at  the  feet  of  his 
daughter  and  poured  out  his  heart  to  the  forgiving, 
infinite  God  for  help  and  pardon  for  her,  his  little  one. 
But  she  heard  it  not.  She  chmf?  to  the  memory  of 
her  love,  and  though  she  stifled  her  sobs  to  listen,  yet 
she  heard  it  not.  But  she  grew  calm,  and  did  not  re- 
fuse her  father's  offer  to  walk  home  with  her. 

Laura's  secret  was  hers  no  longer.  She  had  given 
it  to  her  father,  whose  sympathy,  after  all  was  very 
comforting.  He  was  patient  to  talk  with  her  and  to 
"think  it  all  out  together,"  and  he  was  a  safe  confidant, 
she  was  sure  of  that. 

He  bad  touched  the  most  vibrant  chords  in  her  heart 
when  he  had  spoken  of  her  ch'dren.  She  must  be  a 
good  mother  to  them  :  they  must  never  have  cause  to 
blush  for  tiieir  nu)ther. 

Then  her  pride  came  to  her  rescue  and  she  resolved 
to  take  up  the  necessity  of  living  outwanlly  as  serene 
as  though  there  were  no  grim  wraith  of  bitter  memory 
stalking  forever  in  her  pathway.  She  must  go  on  liv- 
ing and  doing  ji  -t  the  same. 

In  her  sanest  moments  she  was  heartily  ashamed  of 
the  thought.  But  tr  late  now,  her  kind  old  f,.ther 
knew  it,  anti  she  could  no'  retract  or  make  him  forget 
wliat  he  had  seen  and  heard  down  in  the  arbor.  She 
blushed  withshame  at  the  reeollec  tionof  it.andresolved, 
jtifit  as  Kben  Hassrtt  mtend.  !  -Ave  should,  to  ^ivc  \wx 
children  no  cause  to  be  ashamed  of  their  mother  in  tho 


III  I 


GOLD    DUST 


65 


future.  She  would  bury  her  sorrow  out  of  sight,  and  its 
wraith  should  not  rise  up  and  tempt  her  again  to  exhibit 
her  folly  before  human  eyes.  Living  or  dead  it  hould 
keep  it  out  of  sight. 

So   she  went  on  doing    and  undoing;    believing  and 
disbelieving;  strong  to-day  and  weak   to-morrow;   de- 
ceiving   herself    by  some    outward    form,    when    fully 
aware  that   down   in   her   heart   it  was    all    a   pitiable 
mockery.     Yet  she  was  brave  now  in   her  cowardice; 
an  abject  coward  in  her  sublime  heroism.      In  the  small- 
est  details   of   her   domestic  affairs   doing  exactly  the 
thing  to  be  done;   never  shirking   a   duty  to   mope   in 
the  silence    of  love-haunted   places;  sweetly  kind  and 
gentle  to  every  one,  and   even  to  Robert  to  whom  this 
new  phase   in   her  manner  was  enchanting  to  the   last 
degree,  and  had  the  effect  of  extracting   many  another 
gold  coin  from   his   purse,  if   money  would   make  her 
so  gentle  and    altogether   lovable,  she  should  have  it. 

She  tried  to  listen  to  his  coarse  jokes  and  pointless 
wit,  and  even  made  herself  believe  after  a  fashion  tliat 
she  had  succeeded  in  the  efforts.  She  never  read  "Locks- 
ley  Hall"  now.  Helen  did  not  know  long  ago  when  she 
had  referred  her  to  that  poem  that  it  had  been  Allan's 
favorite  and  that  he  had  lovingly  told  her  that  "he 
must  grow  better  for  her  dear  sake  if  she  was  to  grow 
like  him,  in  their  sweet  futurity."  Now  it  was  her 
life  giving  duty  to  forget  all  that,  and  appreciate  Rob- 
ert and  of  course  grow  like  him. 

Certainly  this  was  heroism,  to  hold  to  one's  heart 
the  thing  that  above  all  others  is  most  repugnant  bo- 
cause  it  is  a  duty,  aurcly  this  is  heroism. 

But  a  new  thought  was  of   late  taking  posMWion  of 

her.     Way  down  in  her  heart  was  growing  a  new  hope. 

What  if  after  all  he  was  not  dead?     What  if  there  was 

,1  mistake  in  the  official  r.-jH.rtH?     The  first   frport  she 


i\ 


66 


GOLD    DUST 


did  not  see.  It  mifiht  contain  some  clue  by  which  she 
could  build  hope  ;  or  he  might  not  be  dead,  only  wound- 
ed This  thought  had  come  into  her  heart,  like  a 
whisper  from  some  unknown  messenger.  Thus  two 
weeks  went  by. 


II; 


.  t 


*        \ 


CHAPTKR  VI 

FIGHTING   THK    INDIANS 

It  was  night  in  lower  California.     The  Sierra  Nevada 
Mountains   looked    majestically  down    into   tiie  valley 
where  a  cluster  of    tents    had    been    pitched  that  very 
afternoon.     Within  the  tents  all  is  silent  as  the  grave  ; 
even   sleep    is    not  deep  enough  to    permit  dreams   or 
heavy  breathing.     Without,  a  solitary  picket  paces  wa- 
rily to  and  fro,  with   keen,  restless  eyes  piercing  the 
gloom  of  the  sombre  valley.       Occasionally  he  paused 
by  the  smoldering   fire  to   stu.ly   by   its  fittul    glow  a 
picture  that  he  draws  from  an  inside  pocket.     Closely 
he  studies  the  picture,  lovingly  pressing  it  to  cheek  and 
heart,   passionately    ki- ing    it    again   and  again,  then 
placing  it  back  carefully  in  his  pocket,  he  resumes  his 

beat. 

Sometimes  he  paces  back  and  forth  for  a  few  minutes, 
then  he  listens  with  close  attention  to  some  sound,  or 
echo  of  a  sound  that  may  be  but  the  rustle  of  leaves, 
or  the  hoof  beats  of  the  company's  h.^rses  that  are 
tethered  in  a  gully  close  by.     Thus  an  hour  passes. 

Sud.h-nly  the  picket  hears  nn  unusual  noise  among 
the  horses,  and  speedily  and  cautiously  makes  for  the 
gully,  only  to  liu.l  them  crowding  close   to  each  other 

trembling  nn<^  nervous.  .  .  ,    .      ., 

div  built   horse,  whuh  by  the 


noin5<  up  to  :•  p 


IWl 


starlight  we  sec    is   i 


lark    or  bbu  k.  the  picket  lights  a 


GOLD    DUST 


67 


match,  and  holclmg  it  to  the  animal's  face,  sees  there  a 
look  of  fri^,'ht  in  his  eyes  as  he  restlessly  paws  the  earth. 
He  pets  and  caresses  him,  talking  in  a  low  voice  with 
his  mouth  close  to  the  animal's  ear,  stroking  his  neck, 
drawing  his  head  upon  his  shoulder  and  soothing  hiai 
by  every  possible  means,  then  passing  among  the  rest 
with  gentle  touch  and  kindly  voice. 

After  he  had  succeeded  in  quieting  the  horses,  he 
Started  to  return  to  the  tents.  When  within  a  few  r^-ls 
he  sees  a  figure  skulking  away  under  cover  of  a  low 
clump  of  bushes  He  levels  his  Derringer,  fires,  the 
figure  bounds  in  tlic  air  and  falls. 

Instantly  the  canp  is  alive:  the  men  have  been  awak- 
ened by  the  pistol-shot.  Going  to  the  spot  where  the 
man  fell  and  aga'n  striking  a  match  to  see  by  its  tran- 
sient blaze  his  face,  the  picket,  after  one  quick  glance, 
mutters,  "Apaches." 

The  Indian  is  dead,  or  nearly  so,  and  going  back  to 
the  tent  the  picket  reports  the  event. 

Though  the  company,  to  a   man,  is  wide  awake,  yet 
the  silence  of  night  continues    unbroken.     With  batid 
breath,  tense  nerves,  eyes  keen  and  step  wary, the  i)icket 
alternately  paces  his   beal,  or  pauses   to  listen   to   the 
voices  of  the  night,  or  the  thud,  thud    of    the    restless 
horses'  hoofs.      So   the   night  passes.       Noliiing  more 
occurs  through  the  rest  of  the  "watch."     At  I  .eiik  of  day 
the  camp  is  in  motion  ;  the  horses  are  visited  and  cured 
for  and  the  dead  Indian  closely  examined.     lie  is  found 
to  be  dressed  in  all  the  trappings  of  war  ;  in  his  quivers 
arc  poisoned   arrows,  a  Winchester,  new   and   heavily 
loaded,  lies  by  liis  side;  ammunition   in   abundance  is 
strapped  about  his  person. 

Dy  the  evidence  gleaned,  the  captain    is   ronvim  <-d 
that  a  close  struggle  is  at  hand. 

Hasiiiy  preparing  their  bfeukiast,  the  soldiers  prcpairc 


4)' 


II 


'  t 


>  >i 


if, 


'  '1 
\ 


gg  GOLD    DUST 

for  the   fray.     They  bring   their  horse,  close  to  the 

ents  each  man  guarding  his  o«n,  uh.le  a  scout,  he  who 

r,  picket  duty  through  the  last   half  of   the  n.ght,  ts 

cnnt  nut  to  reconnoitre.  .^    .    i         i 

AbJit  nine  o'clock  the  shar,,  report  of  a  r.fle  ,s  heard 
down  in  the  valley,  and  because  the  -out  has  nt- 
turned  his  comrades  are  getting  anxious.  The  captam 
1"  restlessly  pacing  before  his  tent.  An  hour  passes 
«na  the  picket  fails  to  return. 

Bu    a.  last,  about  eleven    o'clock,  he  reenters     he 
cm  ^    th  the  news  that  a  band  of  Indians  are  fur.he 
do       in  the  valley  preparing   for   an   attack.     Atuong 
,:::  is  .he  great  warrior,  Bald  Eagle,  <-;<;"- °'; 
vvhite   settlers    in   lower  Cahforn.a,  an.l    the    featcsl 
fifthtf"  in  the  Apache  tribe. 

''.     e'     the  ring-leader   in  the   border   .roubles     ex- 
claimed  the  captain.     "If  we  can  get  h.m    he  re  t 
weaken.     He  leads  them  all    mto   m.sch.ef.     1  d   m^  = 
my  commission  to  capture  him!"  ,    ;„  .,  |„w 

"I'd    give    my  life!"  responded   the  scon,    .n  a  low 

"the  n,cn  were  cnunanded  to  prepare  tor  bard  f.ght- 

'"^;,Tnec::Lv  Pt'-ations  .re  n,ade,  and  once  n.orc 
.ho  scou.  is  sen.  out  .o  reconnoi.re,  w,.h  orders  not  .0 

Ko  (nr  from  camp.  i,„„m,  rUnn^r 

High  noon,  and  .ho  m.^n  are  ca.n.g  n  hasty  dmncr 
wl  n  .he  SCO ,.  suddenly  bo.nuls  in... .  .e,r  m-ls.  w,.b 
U  Lr.ling  in.elligence  tha.  "- ^r^"", """■".;;  ; 
and  almost  before  .hey  have  h"ard  .he  words,  the  a.r  .. 
,  ;  a  sound  .ha.  for  blooU-cu.dling  ferocxy  can  no 
bo  e,p  ailed-,  .he  Apache  war-whooP  nngs  «!.">.,  1  .he 
wood.,  frightening  .he  l.orso.,  br.ng.ng  every  man  o 
his  feet,  and  the  s-Wier,  f..A  .hemselve,  surrounded  on 
bU  sides  by  «  horde  of  painted  savages. 


GOLD    DUST 


69 


Surrounded  as  they  were,  a  hand-to-hand  fight  was 
the  result.  Some  of  the  Indians  were  mounted,  some 
were  on  foot.  The  soldiers  leaped  into  their  saddles, 
nerving  themselves  to  fight  for  life,  urged  on  by  the 
clarion  voice  of  the  scout  who  with  dauntless  courage 
seemed  to  divine  the  command  with  the  company's 
captain,  as  with  a  perfect  indifference  to  bullet  or 
arrow  he  cliarged  into  the  very  midst  of  the  red-skins, 
cheering  on  his  men  in  that  unecpial  conflict. 

Figliting  his  way  step  by  step,  recklessly  charging  his 
black  horse  among  the  enemy,  hewing  a  path  for  the 
soldiers,  now  firing  with  the  pistol  in  his  left  hand, 
now  cutting  right  and  left  with  the  glistening  sabre  in 

his  right. 

In  superstitious  awe  the  savages  fall  back,  and  by  a 
preconcerted  plan  he  takes  sole  command.  On  he 
charges.  Arrows  fly  about  his  head;  bull'^ts  whiz  by 
him.  Still  he  is  unharmed  and  he  sees  with  triumph 
they  are  gaining  upon  tlieir  enemies. 

One  Apache,  a  powerful  and  fearless  warrior,  is 
holding  his  own.  He  sees  his  braves  falling  or  fleeing, 
and  it  maddens  him.  He  alms  for  the  leader  of  the 
Koldjers.  He  is  met  more  than  half  way,  for  as  though 
simultaneously  tiie  soldier  reining  his  horse  along- 
side, charges  at  the  big  chief.  His  ,abre  glistens  for 
a  moment  in  the  bright  sunlight,  the  chief's  toma'  '^  k 
describes  a  circle,  but  l)cfore  it  descends  upon  the  bare, 
blonde  head  of  the  scout,  hia  sabre  cuts  the  air,  he 
raises  himself  in  his  stirrups,  leans  toward  his  antag- 
onist, and  plunges  the  gleaming  blade  into  his  body. 

He  has  won  a  victory  ;  he  has  slain  the  great  Apacho 
chief,  Bald  Eagle  1 

"Go<ls!  if  there  were  many  such  fiery  young  heroes! 
What  .vender  that  the  savages  turned  and  fled!"  said 
jiis  admiring  comrades.     Ever  in  the  thigk  of  the  fight, 


\w 


,j 


i'L  il 


31 


k\ 


II 


Wi     I'll 


!i 


I 


ft  ! 


J^ 


70 


G:(7Z/?    i^f^^"?^ 


leading  not  following,  charging 
ins  fo.;,  v;hat  wonder  that  a  we^ ' 


at  the  fighting  or  flee- 
ll  aimed  bullet  found  him. 


He  dia  not    falter  or  shrink   or  n;n. 


but  onward   he 


horse,  black    because  a  womrm   hac 
5  ho  had  had  his  choice,  and  tins 


auf 


Bpurrod  his  black 

tVip    <;ound    of    mu?h':try  ana    um    ^ 

"g  fiercely  over  .he  dead  anddyng,  f"'';  «  ^f  .d 
...        ,,,    crronminc  in   his    tury,  nt:    i><^^ 

of  bristling  guns  and  tomahawks,  clear 
"'^tt^MierUadapurpose.....^^^^^^^^ 

"'HThld    triuvnphedi  then  «hi..  came  a  bullet,  and 
darkness  followed.  ^  #  *  ♦ 

Wl'a.  a  tcr'rible  sic!  close  by  «.!« '""-^ '^""'"'.fi^, 
,.,^„e  eblc,  completely  ---';;,  ^^  ^J^^ 

'r-'='''7^-,^,r,w      fa     .     clba.ants.     He  bad 
the  Struggle  of  the   two    i.u  soldier,  saw 

seen  the  chief  aim  the  tomahawk    at    the    s«l"'^  ' 

felt  his  horse  smkmg  under  1""  '.^^'^^^>    ^         ,  ,,.^    ,,,^3 

falliPLr  foe.     In  the  next  n^oment  the  ^'^'~''-^'^][         J 
»^'^"--'  -  iyinu  ,11  a  confuscU  mass- 


conquered  and  coiMiueror  w( 
The  Indian's  hoJtio  was 


shot  dead,  while  the  black 


GOLD  DUST 


71 


hr--,e  in  Its  death  struggle  was  fast  crushing  out  what 
life  remained  in  his  master. 

They  took  the  wounded  or  dead  soklicr  to  the  cap- 
tain's tent,  whereafter  an  hour's  probing  the  army  sur- 
reon  succeeded  in  finding  the  murderous  bullet  ^^ 

"He  may  live,  can't  tell  yet,  he's  lost  so  much  blood, 
answered  'the  crusty  surgeon  to  all    anxious    inquiries. 
"He's  black  and  blue  from  head  to  foot  from  his  horse 
rolling  over  him.     Guess  he'll  pull  through  unless  he's 
lost  too  much  blood:    ain't  got  much  left.     Take  good 
care  of  him  ;  he's  an  Englishman,  tell  by  his  complex- 
ion."    Then  the   surgeon  passed   on  to   the    next    suf- 
ferer 1       T        1 
"What  saved  him  from  being  ground  to  a  pulp,  l^oru 
only  knows,"  growled    a   comrade.      "Zounds!    how  he 
'ou'^ht.     I've  been  a  soldier  many  years;  was  through 
ihe"  civil  war,  and  J  never  saw  the  like  of  his  fighting. 
He  did  not  fear   them  Apaches:  guess   they'll  remem- 
brr  him  some  time.     Poor  boy!     Ah  there,  Jimmy,  be 
gentle  with    the   brave    fellow.     We'll    get    a   f^ask   of 
whisky    from    the    orderly's    tent:     that'll    bring    him 

round.'  i.-     i-r      t 

"Gad!  I'd  give  him  my  life  blood  to  save  his  life,  1 
don't  forget  how  he  tended  me  through  the  fever!" 

"And  I'll  not  forget  that  he  took  the  shoes  off  his 
feet  10  give  to  mr  when  my  feet  were  blistered  from 
wearing  them  cursed  cowhides  the  government  pro- 
vides.  His  were  too  fine  for  soldiers  and  they  were 
in-  the  thing  for  sore  feet  like  mine,  so  the  lad  would 
not  take  no  for  an  answer,  but  dumped  me  on  a  log 
and  exchai.grd  shoes  with  me,  laughing  at  the  sorry 
look  of  his  trade." 

"Hoys,"  said  a  listening  comrade,  "our  comrade  will 
be  happier   it    U«    never  wakcr,  aeain,  lor,  u« *- 


'i 

\  f4 


frj 
p  ft 


'ii 


11 


X 


73 


GOLD    DUST 


would  to  hide  it,  I  know  he  had  a  terrible  pjrieL^    Poor 
fellow,  some  faithless  woman  played  him  false." 

"Damn  the  women!  they're  always  in  the  muddle!" 
exclaimed  a  comrade  as  he  stood  Ra/.ing  down  at  the 
motionless  face  of  his  comrade.  He  did  not  mean  the 
fierce  denunciation,  for  he  loved  the  memory  of  a  mother 
and  sister.  But  he  was  smitten  with  grief  at  the  sight 
of  his  fallen  comrade  and  this  was  a  good  vent  to  his 
feelings,  and  it  did  no  harm  to  the  women. 

Just  then  the  plucky  wife  of  the  orderly  was  an- 
nounced, who  with  certain  others  had  arrived  from  the 
head(iuarters  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  the  recent  en- 
gagement in  which  her  husband  had  taken  part.  After 
giving  each  of  the  living  a  brave,  cheery  greeting,  she 
passed  on  to  the  "hospital." 

"I  wonder  if  he's  living  or  dead,"  said  the  sweet- 
voiced  woman  to  herself  as  she  placed  a  finger  upon 
the  patient's  pulse  and  bent  with  womanly  tenderness 
above  him,  looking  steadily  into  his  face. 

Her  question  seemed  to  stir  his  feeble  pulses.  He 
tried  to  speak,  but  only  by  the  flutter  of  his  eyelids 
could  she  at  last  be  sure  he  was  not  quite  dead.  He 
had  heard  her  question,  "living  or  dead?"  and  some- 
thing from  out  the  past,  something  potent  enough  to 
loose  the  liold  of  death,  gave  the  soldier  back  to  life. 

His  wounds  proved  not  as  serious  as  had  at  first 
been  feared.  He  was  badly  bruised,  but  there  were  no 
bones  broken,  and  under  the  skillful  treatment  of  old 
surgeon  Hinsdon  and  the  faithful  nursing  of  his  com- 
rades his  wounds  healed  rapidly.  Youth  was  in  his 
favor,  and  the  health  and  strength  of  an  athlete  were 
not  exhausted  in  the  process  of  convalescing. 

Every  attention  was  shown  him,  for  America  knows 
a  brave  soldier  and  this  young  lion  whom  the  bullet  of 
the  Indians  could   not  intimidate,  was  after  a  month's 


I 


GOLD    DUST 


73 


invalidism,  clamoring  for    loloase    from  the    humdrum 

hospital  life.  ,     . 

He  was  well,  he  insisted,  and  demanded  pormission 

to  rejoin  his  regiment. 

The  surgeon  growled  about  his  recklessness,  threat- 
ened him  with  imprisonment  and  a  physical  collapse, 
but  could  put  him  off  from  day  to  day  only  by  prom- 
ising to  watch  his  case,  and  the  moment  he  felt  sure 
of  his  patient's  safety  in  the  transfer,  he  would  "turn 
him  over  to  the  Indians." 

"They'll  make  quick  work  of  you  next  time.  They 
owe  you  one  for  killing  their  chief,"  said  Hinsdon  laugh- 
ing in  mock  ferocity. 

"He  must  be  patient:  there  arc  heroes  in  the  hospital 
as  well  as  upon  the  battlefield,"  the  orderly's  wife  told 

him. 

**♦**,** 
It  was  night;  reports  had  come  that  the  hostilcs 
were  uniting  about  live  mfles  away  for  a  desperate 
struggle.  The  orderly's  wife  sits  bravely  by  the  side 
of  her  husband,  for  the  last  time,  though  she  does  not 
know  it,  and  su.ilingly  accepts  the  news  of  the  mor- 
row's parting,  though  her  heart  is  full  of  dread.  The 
boys  are  looking  from  one  to  another,  wondering  what 
the  conditions  of  the  morrow  will  be.  The  sick  are 
wishing  they  were  well  or  dead.  Up  and  down  the 
path  outsi  '     the  hospital  the  restless  picket  paces  ner- 

"Givc  us  a  song,  old  boy,  you  ought  to  contribute 
more  than  a  measly  Injin  chief  to  our  comfort,"  said 
a  poor  f  'low  who  was  lying  in  his  bunk  inside,  with 
one  leg  ;  )ot  away. 

"A  sonRt  a  song!"  c-.me  from  a  score  who  had  often 
before  been  charmed  by  his  sweet  voice. 


74 


GOLD    DUST 


"What  shall  I  sing?  That's  all  J  m  fit  for,  it  seems," 
he  answered  impatiently. 

'"Annie  Laurie!'  give  us   'Annie  Laurie.'" 

They  suw  him  start  and  quiver  as  though  stung  by 
a  scoridon, 

"LU  not  sing  that :  I'll  sing  something  better  for 
Yankee  soldiers,"  and  he  sang  a  comical  ditty  that  had 
the  effect  of  rai^iing  a  laugh,  a  good  thing  always  for 
a  sick  soldier  if  he  is  not  positively  death-struck.  But 
that  night  he  was  more  restless  than  ever. 

Rumors  were  circulated  through  "convalescent's  row" 
that  some  were  to  bo  weeded  out,  a  few  discharged, 
and  a  few  sent  to  rejoin  their  regiment. 

Rumors  among  soldiers  spread  like  wildfire  even  in 
a  hospital,  and  this  one,  very  much  against  surgeon 
Hinsdon's  wishes,  soon  reached  All m  Moifon. 

"Then  I'm  off  to    '  "  frou^  "  he  <    claimed. 

"Got  your  'permit'  Uom  Hinsdon?"  asked  a  hopeless 
case,  a  victim  of  arrow  poison  who  dreaded  tlie  time 
when  they  should  be  ,aiied  to  giv  up  the  ■  omrade 
who  had  led  tliat  fearful  charge,  and  hoped  he  mi^ht 
stay  at  least  while  he  lived.      "Got  y-ui  permit?" 

"I'U  get  it  or  take  it  ;  don't  r.  ter  wliich,  so  long  as 
I'm  out  of  this  bog.  If  I  stay  y  iger  it's  for  \  our 
Pake,Ted,"  he  answered  kindly  lyii'b  a  hand  on  the 
p  lid  brow  of  the  dying  man;  then  seeing  the  surgon, 
Slid,  "There's  the  old  man  now,  I'll  ask  him  about  it." 

"Want  to  go,  do  ye?  You  might  as  well  sign  your 
death-warrant.  There's  going  to  be  some  ugly  fighting 
that  will  need  all  your  strength  and  pluck." 

"That's  what  I  want :    I  can't  stand  this  any  longer." 

"Well,  off  with  you,  yon  can  go.  You  start  to-mor- 
row, you'll  be  cut  lo  pieces  in  less  tliun  a  week,  or 
they'll  make  kindling  wood  of  you:  them  Apaches 
don't  forg(!t!"  and  Allan  Morton  got  his  transfer. 


GOLD  DUST 


75 


That  night  he  sang  for  the  sick  boys  with  flashing 
eyes  and  ringing  voice,  pacing  the  long  walk  before 
the  tents  with  quick  or  slow,  soldierly  step  as  the  spirit 
of  the  song  dictated. 

At  last  some  one  dem;     led  a  last  song. 
•"Annie  Laurie'  to  remember  you  by!"  and  he  did  not 
refuse  them,  but  sang  with  tender  pathos: 
"Maxvvelton's  braes  are  bonny 
As  early  fa's  the  dew; 
An'  'twas  thort!  that  Annie  Laurie 
Gie'd  me  her  promise  true. 
Gie'd  me  her  promise  true, 
An'  ne'er  forget  will  I; 
An'  for  bonnie  Annie  Laurie 
I'd  lay  me  down  an'  dee." 
Til     following  morning  he  was  transferred  to  another 
comp;.  iy  under   Howard   and  was   soon   following   on 
the  trail  oi  the  redskins. 

In  a  few  days  reports  came  back  of  his  death.     "Shot 
through  the  heart,  Allan  Morton." 


CHAPTER   VH 

FIVE    YEARS    AFTER 

Five  years  have  passed  over  the  inmates  of  Robert 
Morton's  home  and  have  brought  apparent  peace  and 
prosperity.  Robert  had  become  more  and  more  in- 
grossed  in  his  business.  The  love  of  money  had  in- 
tensified as  the  y>  arn  rolled  by.  Year  after  year,  grad- 
ual though  not  pronounced.-distance"  was  growing  be- 
twcrn  himself  and  wife.  This  was  due  more  to  his 
entire  absorption  in  money-making  than  to  any  actual 
outbreak  between  them. 

But  the  keen  poignancy  vi  self-conviction,  which    to 
a  nature  so  highly  sensitiv-       •    Laura's  is  maddening, 


''I 


m 


76 


GOLD  DUST 


hat!  been  softened  to  a  dull,  wearisome  remembrance 
by  the  lapse  of  time,  except  under  unusual  mental  de- 
pression ;  at  such  times  the  old  shadow  haunted  her 
remorselessly. 

She  sometimes  wondered  if  God  had  comprehended 
her  prayers  that  time  down  in  the  arbor,  when  she  had 
promised  atonement  if  only  he  would  spare  Allan's  life. 
She  meant  never  to  see  him  again  ;  yet  only  if  he 
might  live  so  that  she  would  not  be  a  murderer,  she, 
the  mother  of  those  two  innocent  children! 

How  she  had  prayed,  day  after  day,  at  work,  or  at 
walk.  Night  after  night  by  her  children's  bed,  hours 
and  hours  she  knelt  there,  beseeching  the  Lord  to  spare 
Allan's  life  and  save  her  from  crime  ;  she  was  so  young 
and  thoughtless  when  she  had  sent  him  away! 

But  the  days  and  weeks  and  months  had  fled,  until 
five  years  had  buried  her  hopes  in  oblivion.  Oh! 
nothing  was  so  discouraging  to  hope  as  the  silence  that 
had  engulfed  the  past  five  years.  She  never  mentionad 
it  to  Robert,  and  Nettie  had  never  spoken  of  the  mat- 
ter to  her  since  those  old  dark  days,  and  had  seemed  to 
forget  that  period  of  her  fatilty,  wayward  life.  Her 
children  had  been  too  young  to  remember  that  event 
which  one  evening  five  years  ago  the  papers  had  an- 
nounced. So  they  could  not  rebuke  or  torture  her 
quivering  heart  by  allusion  to  their  dead  relative. 

Thus  we  find  her  one  lovely  afternoon  in  the  fall  of 
'84  sitting  in  the  pleasant  parlor  at  Woodlawn,  the 
new  house  Robert  had  given  to  his  wife  according  to 
a  promise  that  he  had  made  that  other  Robert  five 
years  ago. 

The  mental  strain  had  had  an  aging  effect  upon 
her.  She  had  grown  severe  and  sedate  in  many  ways 
in  those  five  years.  The  lines  about  her  month  were 
tensely  drawn,  and  the  look  in  her  eyes  was  not  a  'lappy 


I 


GOLD  DUST 


77 


one,  sometimes  sad,  sometimes  stern,  but  never  a  happy 
look.     She    had   grown   more    stately  in    manners  and 
more  womanly  in  form.     There  was  a  marked    change 
in  disposition,  too;  she  was  more  thoughtful  of  others 
and  kind  to  the  erring  and   unfortunate.     She   seemed 
now  to    have   a   keen    sympathy  for    poor    condemned 
criminals  who  thronged  the   police  courts,  or,  if  fortu- 
nate enough  to  escape,  were  chased  beyond   the  grasp 
of  the  law.     She  had  sometimes  suffered  keenly  at  the 
lashing   of  criminals    by  the    press.     What  were   their 
crimes  to  hers?     She  had  driven  a  man  to  death.     They 
had,  perhaps,  only  taken  a  loaf  of  bread,  one  poor  lit- 
tle  loaf   of  bread  to  save  life,  while  she  had  deprived 
a  man  of  the  hope  of   a  life-time.     She  had  been  pun- 
ished  for  that.     She  knew  what  hopelessness  was,  she 
had  no  hope  that  her  prayer  had   been   heard,  but  she 
must  from  sheer  force  of  habit  continue  to  pray,  to  be- 
seech.    Oh!  would  the  Lord  never  hear? 

She  had  changed  in  tastes,  too.  From  the  old  love 
of  finery  and  costly  dress  she  had  gone  to  the  otlicr 
extreme  and  now,  in  spite  of  Robeit's  protests,  dressed 
in  the  gravest  colors,  devoid  of  all  ornaments. 

Robert  had  just  returned  home,  a  thing  unusual  for 
him  out  of  business  liours.  But  business  sent  him, 
he  promptly  explained  ii  reply  to  his  wife's  looks  of 
inquiry.  He  wanted  some  papers  that  he  had  forgotten 
in  the  morning,  and  now  he  would  sit  down  and  visit. 
Everything  was  rich  and  costly,  everything  but  the 
dress  his  wife  wore  ;  that  looked  like  the  garb  of  a  poor 
man's  wife,  it  made  him  indignant  at  Laura  for  not 
adding  to   the  elegant  look   of   the   room   by  dressing 

better. 

"You'll  be  turning  nu^v  or  going  as  'osnital  nurse 
yet.  You  'ave  just  the  necessary  qualifications  for  a 
good  nurse  ;  sober,  sedate  and  low- spoken,"  and  he  gave 


J 'I 


78 


GOLD  DUST 


his  wife  a  look  wliich  slie  did  not  fail  to  understand. 
The  subject  of  dress  liad  often  been  discussed  between 
them.  But  she  never  capitulated.  Now  she  only 
smiled  faintly  and  asked  in  a  gentle  voice: 

"Do  you  think  so?"  It  was  not  the  the  words  so 
much,  but  the  look  in  the  eyes,  a  far  away,  yearning 
look  as  she  gazed  out  over  the  distant  fields.  The 
smile  faded  as  her  glance  continued. 

"Tell  you,  Laura,  when  I  join  the  harmy  hover  in  the 
States  you  may  go  has  nurse,     'ow'd  you   like  that?" 

"I  should  like  to  be  a  hospital  nurse  in  the  army  if 
I  had  no  children,"  she  quietly  answered  much  to  his 
surprise. 

"Cffisar!  what  would  you  do  has  harmy  nurse?" 

"Take  care  of  the  sick  and  wounded  r,oldiers,"  she 
answered  promptly,  and  looking  her  husband  calmly 
and  searchingly  in  the  eye,  asked  : 

"What  would  you  do  as  soldier?" 

"O,  I'd  figlit,  what's  a  soldier  for  b'lt  to  fight.  But 
you,  you'd  faint  at  the  first  sight  of  blood." 

"Perhaps,  but  I'd  come  to,  and  get  u$et'  to  it  like 
every  other  unpleasant  or  hard  tiling, "she  replied  firmly. 

"You  'aven't  nerve  enough,  'as  she,  Nettie?" 

"I  think  slie  has;  she  has  more  nerve  than  half  the 
men  ever  dreamed  of  having;  almost  too  much  when 
I  cut  my  finger  this  morning,"  answered  Nettie,  laugh- 
ing. 

"Why,  didu't  she  pity  you?" 

"Oh,  she  looked  as  though  cut  fingers  didn't  hurt." 

"Suppose  it  didu't  bleed  much  or  she'd  collnpsed  ;" 
he  seemed  determined  to  rnlse  a  laugh,  or  perhaps  he 
was  only  skirmishing  arouiul  to  get  her  opinion.  "Why 
didn't  you  go  down  and  take  your  first  lesson  in  nurs- 
ing the  wounded  when  Mike  McNally  was  'url?  Eh, 
Laura?" 


II. 


GOLD  DUST  79 

"I  was  busy  at  another  house,"  she  answered  quietly. 

"Where?"  he  asked  in  surprise. 

"Mrs  Davis-  little  Willie  had  his  foot  crushed  badly 
and  they  had  to  au.putate  it.  Mrs.  Davis  was  sick. 
1  assisted  the  surgeon.  I  did  not  faint  either  and  she 
met  his  look  of  surprise  with  a  little  pardonable  pride. 

"1  didn't  know  that,"  answered    her  husband,  Hush- 
ing  a  little  beneath  her  proud,  quiet  look,  that  sonu 
how  made   him  feel  so  inferior  to  her. 

"So  you  see  1  have  one  more  qualification  for  an 
army  nurse,"  she  continued  with  a  smile  of  triumph. 

"You  'ave  hevery  qualification,  but  we  won  t  decide 
the  matter  just  now,  will  we,  Laura?"  he  said,  with  a 
look  of  fond  pride  in  his  eyes.  He  was  so  proud,  when 
he   took  time    to  think   of  it,  of  this  stately,  beautiful 

woman.  ,    ,.,      ^ 

•Nothing   to  decide.     Only  I  should   like  to   go   as 

army  nurse;  that  is  decided  already." 

"I '11  get  you  a  position  hif  you  want  to  go  ;  give  you 
the  best  recommendations,"  he   answered  in  a  banter- 

ing  tone.  ^        i        •    .. 

"I  must  take  care  of  my  children  ;  my  first  duty  is  to 
them."  answered  Laura  as   though  accepting   his  offer 

in  earnest.  ,  .,  r  r  n     ■   i  v 

"What  about  me?     What  hif  I  fall  sick? 

"What  to  be  sure?"  she  was  waiting  for  a  reply. 

•'1   3'poso   1  would  'ave  to  'ire   a  nurse   hif   my  wile 
was  in  the  'osi^ital  taking  care  of  others." 

"Yes,  I  suppose  so :  nurses  can  be  had  for  pay. 

"But'l  want  the  best  when  I'm  sick." 

"  \  good  nurse,  the   b.^st  cun    be  had    fo.  good    pay, 
and  Kobert  Morton  is  a  good   payn.aster,  none  better 
and  money  wiU    buy  any  material  Uinig,  even  to  good 
nursing.     1  suppose  you  Know  that?" 

Nettie  had  left  the  room.     Something  tuld  her  there 


H 


1*5* 


III! 


80 


GOLD  DUST 


was  an  undercurrent  of  meaning  in  the  conversation 
between  Robert  and  his  wife  that  ought  to  ba  private. 
But  Laura  called  her  back. 

"Nettie,  will  you  hold  this  skein  of  silk?" 
Now,  though  Nettie  was  housekeeper  in  Robert's 
home,  yet  every  one  could  see  that  Laura  was  mistress, 
and  that  a  royally  imperious  mistress  she  could  be  as  her 
manner  had  indicated.  As  Robert  was  on  his  way  back 
to  the  office  he  encountered  the  servant  Lizette  at  the 
gate.  She  had  been  sent  out  upon  an  errand  for  the 
house,  and  paused,  waiting  for  Robert  to  step  aside 
and  let  her  pass  upon  her  way.  As  she  tripped  through 
the  gate,  which  Robert  her  master  held  open  for  her, 
she  flashed  a  coquettish  glance  from  her  coal  black 
eyes  and  thanked  him,  very  prettily  for  a  servant  girl. 
Lizette  knew  that  she  was  very  becomingly  attired, 
that  the  bright  plaid  suit  and  turban  with  the  scarlet 
feather  were  wonderfully  becoming,  and  she  knew  that 
the  master  was  dissatisiied,  because  his  wife  did  not 
dress  in  gay  colors  and  wear  fine  jewels.  She  knew 
that  and  many  other  things  that  were  unusual  about 
her  mistress.  She  knew  that  her  mistress  was  a  very 
beautiful  woman,  but  so  cold,  so  proud  and  always  wore 
that  detestable  nun's  dress  with  not  a  ribbon,  not  a 
jewel,  And  the  master  was  so  fond  of  her,  and  would 
give  her  all  tlir*  money  she  wantet!;  and  as  for  jewels, 
''•  '  she  not  get  a  peep  into  madam's  jewel-case  when 
she  was  sent  to  madam's  bureau  for  her  (an?  Madam 
was  very  careful  of  her  Imreau.  What  did  it  contain 
that  madam  should  keep  it  under  lock  and  key?  Did 
she  care  for  her  jewels?  Then  why  did  she  not  wear 
them?  Was  she  afraid  Lizette  would  steal  them? 
Was  there  something  clsr  in  the  bureau  that  madam 
was  afraid  to  lose?  Some  time,  when  madam  was  gone 
she  would  slyly  taky  another  peep.     Madam  sometimes 


wsmSi 


GOLD  DUST 


8i 


for-ot  to  lock  her  bureau.  What  harm  in  just  looking 
at  t°he  bright  jewels?  She  would  not  take  them.  She 
was  honest,  she  would   not  so  much    as  want    to   take 

them.  ,  .         , 

But  such  sport  to  see  if  there  was  somethmg  else. 
It  would  be  her  little  secret  all  to  herself,  and  secrets 
were  worth  a  price,  sometimes. 

Lizctte  was  a  French  Canadian  who  had  been  in  the 
employ  of  the  Mortons  but  a  short  time  Not  over 
scrupulous, an  arch  hypocrite,  she  had  already  employed 
her  eyes  and  ears  to  some  account,  for  she  had  discov- 
ered that  "madam"  had  jewels,  and  that  she  did  not 
care  for  them,  and  yet,  strange  to  say,  she  kept  her 
bureau  tightly  locked,  though  she  did  sometimes  for- 
get and  leave  the  key  in  the  lock,  and  madam  was  not 
afraid  of  thieves  either. 

Li/ette  had  been  at  Woodlawn  about  a  month  when 
she  one  day  discovered  the  key  in  the  lock  of  the  mis- 
tress's bureau  and  so,  honest  girl,  she  peeped  in;  but 
had  barely  enough  time  to  sec  the  couients  of  the  lovely 
jewel  case  when  her  mistress  returned  and  almost 
caught  her  primping  betore  the  kLvss  with  a  lovely 
necklace  around  her  while  throat,  a  pair  of  bracelets 
on  her  plump  arms,  and  hor  hands  decorated  with  sev- 
eral costly  rings. 

They  were  just  what  Lizette  in  her  inmost  soul  de- 
cided  she  must  have  some  day,  especially  those  "lovely 
bracelets,"  those  she  must  have.  But  how?  Patieiur, 
Lizette.     She  must  not  steal.     Had   she  not  said  that 

she  was  honest? 

So  honest  Li/.etto  hastily  put  the  jewels  back  into 
the  case  and  had  just  turned  the  key  upon  their  tempt- 
\nv  glitter,  when  she  heard  her  mistress's  voice  calling. 
This  honest  girl  went  below  with  the  smile  of  an  angel 
upon  her  face,  and  was  all  altcntion  to   her  mistreWs 

0 


iS>' 


J*/ 


82 


GOLD  DUST 


i 


wants.  In  fact,  she  was  more  than  usually  attentive. 
Was  madam  tired  after  her  ride?  Would  she  have 
a  cup  of  chocolate?  Only  a  moment  and  she  would 
bring  it,  everything  was  ready.  And  away  the  honest 
girl  flew  to  prepare  the  chocolate  for  her  mistress. 

"What  inspires  Lizette,  I  wonder?  She  is  so  very 
kind  to-day  and  thoughtful,"  said  Laura  as  she  sat 
waiting  for  the  chocolate. 

"I  never  can  get  quite  used  to  those  French  Cana- 
dians, they're  tricky,  I  believe,"  answered  NeUie  as  she 
swayed  slowly  back  and  forth  in  her  chair.  But  per- 
haps Lizette  is  difierent,"  she  added  by  way  of  apol- 
ogy for  her  severity. 


CHAPTER    VIII 

A  VISnOK   AT   WdODLAWN 

The  afternoon  sun  was  fast  sinking  behind  a  great 
crimson  and  gold  cloud  that  lay  above  the  tree-tops  in 
the  forest  west  of  Woodlawn.  An  unusual  hush  had 
followed  the  busy  hum  of  the  working  hours.  Nature 
seemed  in  a  waiting  attilu.le,  inclining  her  ear  as  it 
were,  to  catch  some  souiul,  resting  her  great  heart  that 
had  grown  tired  with  the  incessant  throb  ol  the  day's 
crush  and  while,  holding  her  fevered  breath  for  very 
joy.  Nature  is  a  tender  teacher,  a  sympathet.c  mother, 
who.  when  we  arc  restless  lulls  us  to  sleep  by  the  ryth^ 
inic  beat  of  the  rain  upon  the  roof,  or  the  gentle  mur- 
mur of  the  breezes  among  the  leaves.  Or  when  tr..ubl(;d 
by  the  battles  of  lif<',  she  soothes  our  tumultuous  feel- 
ing.4  by  a  counter  irritant  in  the  wild  winds  that  go 
shrieking  about  (mr  oars,  or  by  a  display  of  hreworlo, 
and  booming  of  heaven's  artillery,  thus  mother-like 
1. verting  our  minds  from  our  worries.     Then,  when  wo 


GOLD     DUST 


83 


are  deeply,  breathlessly  glad,  she  too,  in  sweet  sym- 
pathy holds  her  fluttering  breath  to  listen  for  the  sound 
of  silvery  voices  and  rush  of  hurrying  footsteps. 

Woodlawn  was  very  quiet  and  peaceful  this  after- 
noon, or  rather  evening,  for  already  twilight  was  serenely 
following  the  flying  footsteps  of  the  busy,  rushing  day. 
Just  at  this  hour  and  this  moment,  when  the  sim  is 
disappearing  behind  those  stately  trees  in  yonder  forest 
that  skirts  Woodlawn,  just  as  is  seen  the  last  smile 
upon  old  Sol's  rosy  face,  so  rosy  that  it  promises  a 
lovely  day,  just  then  from  "down  the  road"  Robert, 
standing  at  the  gate  hears  the  riimble  of  wheels. 

"I  suppose  I'll  know  it  if  hit's  hall  'umbug,"  he  mut- 
tered to  himself.  "Looks  like  a  sensation.  Sounds 
like  'im,  just  and  "Lord  McGull  like"  as  ever;  calls 
'imself  the  prodigal  son!  Pretty  lofty  prodigal  that! 
Well  I  don't  begrudge  'im  his  life.  I  guess  'e's  all 
right  now.  'E's  old  enough,  Lord  knows,  to  'ave  some 
sense  hif  'e  hever  will  'ave.  Humph!  some  one  hin 
that  carriage,  sure.     Guess  it's  'im." 

Then  he  watched  the  tall,  well-built  man  alight  from 
the  carriage,  as  with  tenfold  more  dignity  and  his  old 
accustomed  case  Allan  Morton  came  up  the  walk  to  the 
gate,  extending  his  hand  in  smiling  pleasure. 

After  looking  into  each  other's  faces  for  several  sec- 
onds, Robert. found  voice  to  articulate: 

•Welcome  back,  Al,"  in  a  queer,  choked  voice  that 
cost  him  some  effort  to  control;  Allan  in  firm,  well 
modulated  tones  answered: 

"And  I'm  back  to  stay,  for  a  time  at  least,  '  after 
which  they  slowly  walked  toward  the  house. 

When  Laura  had  first  received  the  intelligence  that 
Allan  was  alive  and  on  liis  way  to  Torot.to,  it  had  par- 
tially stunned  her.thougluihe  received  it  quietly  enough, 
making  no   nunments   upon  it.     She   hud   sat    in   her 


■m-^- 


fl 


84 


GOLD    DUST 


room  starin^r  into  vacancy  for  two  mortal  hours  but 
she  d\Ci  not  faint,  or  groan,  or  rave,  though  two  hours 
of  retrospection  is  likely  to  leave  their  impression  upon 
one's  visage.  Then  she  seemed  impelled  by  some  pow- 
erful incentive,  an  irresistible  longing,  for  she  suddenly 
threw  up  her  hands  in  a  hopeless  sort  of  way,  and 
quickly  rising,  crossed  the  room  and  knelt  before  the 
bureau.  But  she  did  not  open  its  drawers,  only 
crouched  before  it,  and  leaned  against  it  while  the 
tears  fell  fast  upon  her  white  cheeks. 

When  Laura  had  grown  calmer,  because  she  had  wept 
away  all  retrospective  tears,  she  prayed  for  strength  to 
meet  the  man  whom  once  she  had  preferred.     But  she 
knew  that  she  wanted  to  do  right,  to  be  true.      She  had 
prayed  all  those  years  to   be    made    guiltless  of  crime 
and  the  pitiful  father  had  inclined  his  ear  to  listen  and 
had  heard.     Ah!  she  was   innocent  of    that   crime,  her 
hands  were  not  the  hands  of  a  criminal!     She  was  free 
She  could  once  more  put  on  the  garb  of   gladness  and 
that  would  please  Robert.     O,  she  would  be  so   faiihfu 
to  him.  so  true   a  wife,  so   good   a   mother!     Ah,  God 

was  good,  good! 

With  all  the  changes  which  circumstance  and  time 
must  bring  about,  Allan  was  not  prepared  for  so  com- 
plete  a  metamorphosis  in  Laura.  In  his  moments  of 
bitterness  he  had  imagined  a  short,  dumpy  woman  with 
hair  drawn  tightly  back  and  twisted  in  a  pug  at  tlie 
back  of  her  head  ;  eyes  dim  and  face  faded  and  perhaps 
querulous;  dowdily  dressed  incomplete  contrast  to  the 
carefully  alt.red.  dainty  girl  of  his  former  dreams  ;  she 
wf  dd  salute  him  in  a  voice  like  the  twang  of  an  old 
hand-organ,  or  r«sp,ng  l.Ue  a  spit-saw.  thr  short, 
"handy"  skirts  would  expose  slipshod  ff^et  as  stubby 
IS  the  red  ham!*,  that    !  kept  nail«.  status  and  all 

would  be  extended  to  w.  aomc   bad.  "A'"  the  love  of 


! 


GOLD    DUST 


85 


her  sweet,  false  girlhood.  All  this,of  course, was  in  con- 
formity to  the  life  she  mnst  live  with  Robert,  for  "as 
the  husband  is  the  wife  is."  He  was  nearing  the  house 
as  the  lines  of  Locksley  Hall  filed  through  his  mind, 
and  the  master  of  Woodlawn  without  ceremony  ushered 
him  into  the  ample  hall,  saying  : 

"I  guess  I'd  bettor  take  you  hinto  the  parlor,  and 
Laura    cai:   -"  then  he  paused  uncertainly. 

"O,  anywhere,"  said  Allan  coming  to  his  rescue.  "I 
hope  I'm  not  to  be  treated  as  a  stranger ;  that  would 
seem  hard." 

"O,  no,  honly  I  let  Laura  do  the  entertaining.  I'll 
bring  'er.  You  sit  down  ;  make  yourself  at  'ome,"  then 
he  left  the  room. 

"This  is  a   strange  welcome,"  thought  Allan,  "but  it 

is  the  effect  of    the  new    home.     Money  always  brings 

about  a  more    formal  style  of    living,"  then  he  rose  to 

meet  the  lady  whom  Robert  v^as    leading  through    the 

door. 

"No  need  to  hintroduce  cousin,  I  'ope,"  said  Robert 

in  a  queer  jerky  voice,  "I  guess  you  know  each  bother. " 

"Can  this  be  Laura,"  asked  Allan  as  he  bent  his 
handsome  hiuid  and  smiled  down  upon  her. 

"1  am  glad  you  are  alive,  Allan  ;  we  are  .ill  glad  to 
see  you  again,"  and  she  placed  her  slender  liand  in  his 
own  with  such  inimitable  grace  tiiat  he  could  only 
answer  in  an  absent  way: 

"I'm  glad  to  get  back  again  alive." 

\\\  one  glance  ,\llan  saw  a  tall,  slender, stately  woman, 
attired  in  a  well  fitting  dress  of  pearl  gray,  the  soft 
folds  of  which  swept  the  carpet  in  rich  profusion;  the 
stately  glance  of  th(jse  clear  gray  eyes  charmetl  him 
into  forgotfulness  of  his  customary  drawingrootn  cour- 
tesies, those  shapely  white  haiuls  were  not  rough' 
nailed  and   stubby,  that   smile   was    like   the  warming 


''\A 


\ 


lii 


I 


85  GOLD    DUST 

glow  of   the    morning    skies,  and   her   voice,  ''low  and 
sweet,"  already  broke  down  the  barriers  which   discre- 
tion and  pride  had  erected.  . ,  „   i      * 
'Til  bring  in  Nettie  hand  the  children,"  said  Robert 

as  he  left  the  room. 

"I'm  thankful  for  your  kind  greeting,  Laura.  \^  hile 
absent  I've  tried  to  redeem  my  youthful  errors,  said 
Allan  as  his  cousin  left  the  room. 

"And  I'm  glad  beyond  expression  to  be  able  to__gree 
you  in  the  flesh.     That  you  are  alive  is  enough,     said 
she  again  giving  him  her   hands.      Her  voice  was   low 
and  sweet  in  her  earnestness  and  he  was  misled  by  her 

""Tdid  not  think   that   my  life  was  of    any  value  to 
any  one.     I'm  happy  to  be  set  right  if  I  was  mistaken 
he  answered    smilingly,  clasping  the  soft  white  hands 
that  were  extended  to  emphasize  Laura's  statement. 

"It  was  a  mistake.      Your  death  or  the  report  of  your 
death  was  my  keenest  sorrow,"  said  she  sweetly. 

Again  he  misunderstood  her,  believing  that  her  old 
love  prompted  the  words.  He  forgot  for  a  rnoment  all 
the  long  separation,  forget  that  she  uas  another  s  wife. 
She  was  here  before  him.  He  was  holding  her  hands, 
looking  into  her  eyes  and  listening  to  her  voice  Oh, 
it  was  perilously  sweet!     In  tones  trembling  with  emo- 

tion  he  said :  ,         t        n  fV,r. 

"Heaven  could  not  have  recompensed  me  for  all  ttie 

years  of  wandering  like  this  assurance." 

"That  you  are  alive  is  enough.  Of  course,  I  am  glad 
to  see  you   again;   you  are   my  husband's  cousin,  and 

mine  too,  now."  . 

He  dropped  her  hands  that  in  his  earnestness  he  had 
retained,  just  as  his  cousin  came  back  bringing  Ins  two 
little  ^irls  followed  by  Nettie.  Laura  wondered  at  a 
.sudden  change  in  his  manner,  but  soon  forgot  it. 


GOLD    DUST 


87 


IF 


With  all  his  assurance  Robert  could  not  quite  be 
himself  in  Allan's  company.  He  could  talk  of  his 
children;  not  of  his  wife;  of  his  business  in  general; 
not  of  his  money.  So  he  found  upon  every  side  little 
things  that  interrupted  free  fellowship.  He  was  accus- 
tomed to  talk  freely  of  his  money,  his  success,  his  wife, 
to  all  his  guests,  but  not  to  this  man  who  knew  him 
so  well  and  who  "had  come  back  to  stay,"  and  who  was 
"a  deuced  sight  'andsomer  than  he  was  years  ago." 
Robert  did  not  quite  overcome  the  feeling  of  restraint 
all  the  evening,  in  spite  of  the  extraordinary  interest 
with  which  Laura  entered  into  conversation,  and  in 
her  gracefid  way  followed  Allan  in  his  talk  upon  his 
travels,  and  his  engagement  with  the  Indians. 

Robert  who  had  little  taste  for  news  that  did  not 
bear  directly  upon  the  business  of  money-making,  was 

ill  at  ease. 

And  this  was  Laura,the  woman  of  ice!  Robert  felt  very 
ignorant  by  comparison,  yet  he  was  prouder  of  her  than 
ever  before.  She  was  his  wife,  and  to  see  her  thus  ably 
and  wittily  conversing  with  his  erstwhile  rival  filled 
him  with  admiration.  Al  could  see  how  valuable  was 
the  prize  he  had  won! 

Laura  was  now  seated  at  the  piano  in  response  to 
the  request  of  Allan,  whose  hands  had  not  lost  their 
former  skill  in  tinning  the  leaves  of  ».er  music. 

There  was  no  singing  of  the  old,  sweet  songs  upon 
which  their  hearts  had  thrilled  in  the  olden  times,  but 
their  voices  blended  in  the  grand  old  war  songs,  the 
battle-cryof  the  States.  SoiMCt  mos  Laura's  voice  was 
full  of  tears,  sometimes  her  hf  <  '9  trembled  upon  the 
ivory  keys,  but  never  did  her  ,  irpose  waver,  neither 
did  her  pure  heart  grow  weak.  She  knows  there  is  a 
terrible  ordeal  before  her.  The  dayn  to  come  will  be 
days  of  keenest  conflict  with  this  u-ari  at  her  side,  at 


I 


■pi 


*■♦■  u 

■  \ 


1:1 


.1 


.   1| 


. .  I 


88 


GOLD    DUST 


;5        ' 


her  command,  an  inmate   of   her  house,  tlie  lover,  be- 
trothed husband  of  her  old,  sweet  girlhood. 


.( 


CHAPTER  IX 

A  HARD  FOUGHT  BATTLE 

If  music  be  food,  play  on. 
Give  me  excess  of  it,  that  surfeiting, 
The  appetite  may  sicken,  and  so  die. 
That  strain  attain!  it  had  a  dying  fall! 
O,  it  can-.e  o'er  my  ear  like  a  sweet  sound 
That  brej'.rui'a  upon  a  bank  of  violets, 
Stealii..;-;  -■'"l  givingodorl—Twelfth  Night, 

Allan  continued  u  remain  at  Woodlawn.  To  Robert 
the  advent  of  spring  brought  the  conclusion  that  his 
cousin  "was  a  pretty  sensible  fellow."     It  came   about 

in  this  way. 

Allan  had  been  a  guest  at  Woodlawn  for  several 
weeks.  He  had  soon  after  his  return  proposed  going 
to  a  boarding-house,  and  also  getting  a  permanent  situ- 
ation. The  latter,  with  Robert's  help,  was  easily  ob- 
tained, but  Robert  would  not  hear  to  a  change  in  resi- 
dence. 

"What's  the  use  of  your  roaming  habout  hany  longer: 
might  has  well  marry  and  settle  down  :  you'll  be  'appier 
and  better.  Why  don't  you,  Al— let  youthful  mistakes 
and  worries  rest.  Begin  hagain.  Bury  the  past.  Marry 
hand  settle  down,  Al?" 

"Nettie,"  continued  Robert,  answering  Allan's  look 
of  inquiry,  "and  she'll  make  you  a  good  wife,too.  Come, 
I'll  set  you  hup  in  'ousekecping.  What  more  do  you 
want?"  and  Robert  beamed  as  though  he  had  brought 
about  a  very  gratifying  result. 

"And  Laura  thinks  hit  will  be  the  best  plan  hall 
.around,"  continued   the  schemer.     "Then  you'll   be  in 


GOLD    DUST 


89 


the  family,  and  hall  that,  and  hit's  better  for  you.  Of 
course,  you're  to  understand  you're  to  rr  this  your 
'ome  until  you  'ave  a  'ome  of  your  own,  continued 
Robert  with  a  smile.  Robert  felt  very  generous  just 
now ;  he  could  afford  to,  for  contrary  to  his  fears,  Allan 
had  been  a  model  of  propriety  since  his  arrival,  and 
had  not  transgressed  the  bonds  of  cousinly  friendship 
toward  Laura. 

When  upon  his  arrival  Allan  had  proposed  finding 
a  boarding-house,  Robert  had  not  listened  to  it,  though 
Nettie  had  argued  that  it  would  be  best  for  all. 

"Nettie,  hif  a  burglar  wants  to  get  into  my  *ouse  to 
steal  'e'U  find  a  way.  No  use  of  bolts  and  bars:  'e'U 
get  in,  spite  of  all  the  bolts  and  bars  in  Christendom," 
answered  Robert  wisely. 

Allan  had  manifested  toward  Laura  at  all  times  re- 
spect and  distant  courtesy,  but  never  under  any  circum- 
stances going  beyond  that. 

Did  she  still  care  for  him,  or  had  she  overcome  it? 
The  question  constantly  found  lodgment  in   his   brain, 
and  its  alluring    possibilities   filled   his   heart,  for    he 
believed    that    she  welcomed   him    to  Woodlawn   with 
the  breath  of  love  upon  her  lips,  and  the  light  of  love 
in   her  eyes.     She  might   call    it    by  any  other   name, 
friendship,    interest,    cousinly    regard,    anything    that 
suited  her  fancy  and  served  to  delude  others  from  whom 
it  only  screened  her  real  feelings;  but  he  believed  that 
in  her   inmost  soul    Laura  was   true,  "Living  or  dead 
she  would  always  love  him  and  be  true."     Those  strong, 
tender  natures    love  deepest  and    most    faithfully,  and 
he  had  been  amazed  at  the  proofs  of  the  strength  of  her 
will.     He  had  believed   her  a  willful    girl,  but   not  of 
strong  will  under  continued  opposition.   But  he  had  been 
amazed    to  see  her  control   everything    and    every  one 
around  her.     She   gave   orders ;   every  one   sprang   to 


!     ( 


I 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


1^ 

lb 


2.8 

32 


1 4.0 


1.4 


2.5 
2.2 

2.0 


1.8 


1.6 


MICROCOPY  RESOLUTION  TEST  CHART 

NATIONAL  BUREAU  OF  STANDARDS 

STANDARD  REFERENCE  MATERIAL  1010a 

(ANSI  and  ISO  TEST  CHART  No.  2) 


6^(9zz>  /^^/.^r 


obey ;  even  he  had  obeyed  her  tacitly  implied  wish,  or 
command,  to  maintain  a  decorous  regard  for  her  wife- 
hood. 

But  his  heart  hungered  more  and  more  for  her 
sympathy,  and,  as  the  days  passed,  close  acquaintance 
disclosed  the  beautiful  symmetry  of  her  character  to 
his  gaze;  so  he  more  vigilantly  watched  for  some  sign 
or  token  of  the  coveted  boon,  but  failed  to  see  aught 
that  could  be  interpreted  favorably.  She  was  kind  in 
a  distant  way,  nothing  more. 

If  only  she  would  just  tell  him  in  the  old  way  that 
only  the  bonds  fettered,  that  in  spirit  she  was  true, 
though  in  the  same  moment  bidding  him  be  true,  he 
could  live  on  until  the  end  of  time  with  even  so  small 
a  comfort. 

But  to  be  coolly  set  aside,  almost  totally  ignored, 
though  in  his  heart  he  knew  the  course  she  had  pmsued 
was  the  safest  and  best,  made  him  grind  his  teeth  in 
impotent  rage  and  disappointment. 

One  morning  Allan  was  passing  through  the  hall 
when,  hearing  the  soft  tinkle  of  music,  he  entered  the 
parlor  where  he  found  Laura  seated  at  the  piano.  Me 
looked  at  her  slender,  graceful  figure  as  she  sat  with 
her  back  toward  him,  and  folding  his  arms  as  was 
habitual  when  listening,  he  stood  mute  and  silent, while 
the  music  swayed  and  surged  through  his  brain,  hiiing 
hitn  with  regret  and  unrest. 

He  knew  that  she  was  not  aware  of  his  presence,  for 
suddenly  the  time  changed  and  the  air  of  "Annie  Lau- 
rie" filled  th'^  \,om  and  made  him  set  his  teeth  in  his 
struggle  for  self-control.  She  had  never  played  it  be- 
fore since  his  return.  She  sang  the  first  stanza,  then 
as  the  last  words  of  the  second  left  her  lips  slit  bowed 
her  head  upon  the  piano  and  gave  way  to  a  passion  of 
tears. 


Ill 


GOLD  DUST 


91 


111  a  moment  Allan's  strong  arms  were  alxnit  her,  he 
had  drawn  her  head  upon  his  slioulder  and  his  kisses 
fell  upon  her  quivering  lips  and  sunny  hair. 

It  had  been  years  since  she  had  sung  that  song.  She 
religiously  rejected  it  from  her  repertoire,  but  now  its 
words  and  tender  chords  stirred  her  heart,  and  broke 
down  the  icy  barriers  which  her  strong  will  and  good 
intention  had  built. 

With  the  strength  of  years  her  affection  for  Allan 
had  increased  in  spite  of  husband  and  children.  She 
did  not  know  how  mighty,  how  resistless  its  power, 
until  at  this  hour,  unmasked,  she  no  longer  repelled 
his  caresses,  no  longer  froze  him  into  silence  by  cold 
looks  and  forbidding  manner,  but  like  a  little  child  she 
wept  in  his  arms.  Oh!  it  had  been  so  long  since  her 
weary  head  had  been  thus  pillowed  while  his  kisses 
fell  upon  her  lips  and  soothed  her  troubled  spirit! 

Suddenly  she  reeled  and  would  have  fallen  had  he 
not  caught  her  swaying  form  and  laid  her  upon  tiie  sofa. 
He  did  not  kiss  her  unconscious  face,  that,  somehow, 
was  forbidden  him.  Ho  did  not  try  to  restore  her,  but 
rang  the  bt^l  and  told  Lizette,  that  her  nnstress  had 
fainted,  was  ill  perhaps;   then    he   dashed  out   of    the 

house. 

Li/.ctte  watcluHl  Allan  Morton  until  he  disappeared, 
then  turned  from  the  window  to  her  mistrc^ss  who  lay 
unconscious  upon  the  sofa.  Lizette  looked  keenly 
into  her  pale  face,  and  critically  examined  her  hands 
and  eyelids,  in  a  cool,  calctdating  nuiuuer,  evidently 
in  no  fear  or  liaste.  Then  sho  stood  still  with  folded 
arms  and  firmly  shut  lips,  and  seemed  to  be  thinking 
deeply,  for  she  did  not  hear  the  door  open.  But  us 
Mr.  liassett  looked  in  upon  lier  and  said: 

"What's  the    matter  with  her?"  sho   instantly  threw 
up  her  hands  and  gave  a  shrill  icrca.n.  of  well  feigned 


92 


GOLD  DUST 


surprise  and  friglit,  but  was  hastily  sup]iresse(l  by  the 
keen-witted  old  man  wlio  liad  little  faith  in  her  sud- 
denly acqnired  pity  for  his  daughter. 

He  had  had  enough  time  to  see  Lizettc  as  she  calmly 
and  very  critically  stood  surveying  the  unconscious 
woman,  for  she  had  unwittingly  left  the  door  ajar  and 
thus  he  had  made  no  noise  when  he  crossed  the  thresh- 
old. 

He  had  never  seen  the  wily  "kanuck"  in  her  present 
aspect,  and  lie  sternly  demanded: 

"What's  the  matter  with  her?  What  yer  doin'  to 
her,  you  viper?" 

"O,  my  sweet  mistress!  who  haf  killed  her?  She  is 
dead!    O,  Mon  Dieu!     Mon  Dieu!" 

"Shut  up  yer  yellin'  an'  git  the  doctor:  o.e's  sick," 
he  snarled,  as  pushing  the  girl  aside  he  bent  over  his 
daughter  an  instant.  As  he  did  so  the  truth  dawned 
upon  him:  she  had  fainted. 

The  fond  father  bent  over  her  and  discovered  no  trace 
or  sign  of  life  in  his  darling.  Instantly  she  was  his 
child  again,  back  in  the  old  days  when  in  some  sudden 
illness  incident  to  childhood  she  had  appealed  to  him 
for  loving  pity.  Or,  when  rushing  to  him  in  an  agony 
of  grief  over  the  death  of  a  bird  or  the  loss  of  a  pet, 
he  had  gathered  her  in  his  arms  to  soothe  and  caress 
the  sunny  head  that  so  trustingly  pillowed  itself  upon 
his  breast.  Instantly  she  was  his  "little  girl"  again 
needing  his  care.  Very  tenderly  he  gathered  her  in  his 
arms,  kissing  her  pale  face  and  tmsmiling  lips,  calling 
her  by  the  old  pet  names  that  had  given  expression  to 
his  love  for  her  in  other  days.  Still  she  heard  not  his 
voice,  neither  answered  to  his  caresses,  and  driven  to 
the  verge  of  desperation  he  bore  her  to  her  room,  stag- 
gering under  her  weight,  up  the  long  flight  of  stairs. 
Placing  her  upon  her  bed  he  half  frantically  locked  the 


GOLD  DUST 


93 


door  just  as  Nettie  came  to  inquire  into  Lizette's  sud- 
den flight  for  the  doctor. 

After  dismissing  Nettie  with  a  "nobody  wants  yer. 
Kin  take  care  o'  her  myself,"  he  hastily  applied  such 
restoratives  as  he  found  upon  her  dressing-case.  An 
open  window  afforded  fresh  air,  and  she  slowly  revived, 
just  as  voices  outside   the  door  demanded  admittance. 

"She  don't  v^ant  yer,  she's  all  right,  '  as  the  doctor 
witi\  conscious  authority  pounded  upon  the  door,  think- 
ing, of  course,  that  the  door  would  hastily  fly  open  to 
science.  "She  don't  want  yer,  she  don't  need  yer 
neither :  d'ye  hear?" 

In  vain  both  Nettie  and  the  doctor  called  and  knocked 

and   rattled  the   door-knob,  they  were   refused   admit- 
ance. 

"I  tell  yer  she's  all  right,  an'  she  don't  want  to  be 
pestered  with  no  damned  quack  nor  chattering  women, 
neither,  nothin'  'tall.  G'way!  She's  tired  out'n  yer 
can't  git  in,  I  say.  Go  off!"  with  that  he  further  bar- 
ricaded the  door  with  the  commode,  after  which  he  re- 
turned to  Laura's  bedside  feeling  safe  from  intrusion, 
but  muttering  anathemas  against  people's  intrusive 
curiosity. 

Knowing  that  they  could  not  shake  the  old  man's 
determination  they  left  the  door,  and  as  Mr.  Bassett 
listened  to  their  reteating  footsteps  he  gave  a  satified 
nod  in  their  direction  and  turned  his  attention  to  Laura 
who  now  liad  fully  recovered  consciousness. 

She  had  not  opened  her  eyes,  but  he  knew  that  she 
was  conscious,  for  when  the  doctor's  peremptory  knock 
had  been  heard,  she  liad  slowly  turned  lier  face  to  the 
wall,  by  which  ho  understood  that  she  dul  not  wish  to 
be  disiurbeil.  As  lie  took  her  weak  hand  and  was  re- 
assured by  tlie  gentle  pressure  she  gave  his  knotty  lin- 


.j,tSj«s«Sl!«SjftJ**(i 


I  ^11 


\ 


94 


GOLD  DUST 


gers,   he  knew   tliat    she  was    in    trouble,    but,  though 
anxious,  he  forebore  questioning  her. 

"Yer  ain't  one  o'  the  fainty  kind'n  I  guess  yer  clean 
tuckered  out,  so  you'd  better  be  quiet  a  spell'n  a  I'll 
keep  the  rest  from  meddlin'. " 

He  asked  no  questions,  but  he  understood  her ;  she 
wanted  rest.  Yet  he  hoped  that  she  would  open  her 
heart  to  him  as  in  other  days.  It  would  be  safer  for 
her,  and  he  could  help  her  with  counsel,  and  sympathy; 
knowing  that  her  trouble,  whatever  it  might  be,  would 
lose  half  its  poignancy  if  she  would  share  it  with  one 
whom  she  could  trust.  So,  it  was  with  no  idle  curi- 
osity that  he  said,  looking  into  her  face  with  tender 
pity : 

"Can  yer  ole  pa  help  yer,  Laura?  'cause  yer  know 
nobody'd  never  know  nothin'  'tall  about  it." 

Her  silence  convinced  him  that  her  trouble  was  be- 
yond him,  unspeakable.  She  lay  with  closed  eyes  giv- 
ing no  sign  to  his  question,  save  by  the  spasmodic 
clinching  of  her  small  hands  that  liad  always  been  a 
sign  of  desperate  resistance  which  he  understood.  But 
his  heart  sank  as  he  found  for  the  first  time  that  she 
refused  to  share  her  sorrow  with  him.  It  was  as  bad, 
nay  worse  than  standing  by  her  new-made  grave,  there 
seemed  such  a  gulf  between  tliem. 

So  leaving  a  fond  kiss  ujion  her  check  he  left  the 
room  just  in  time  to  find  Lizette,  as  lie  opened  the 
door,  scurrying  away  at  a  fearful  rate. 

"Here  you,  Frenchy,  what  yer  want?"  She  paid  no 
heed,  but  disappeared  into  the  room  beyond. 

He  stood  waiting  a  few  moments  to  see  if  she  would 
rettjrn,  but  concluding  that  she  was  too  cute  for  liim 
he  went  down  stairs  into  the  sitting-room  to  find  Net- 
tie. 

His    mind  was    not   easy  about    Lizcttc,  though    he 


GOLD  DUST 


95 


could  not  be  certain  that  she  had  been  listening  at  the 
door.     She  had  a  sly,  curious  way  about  her  that  con- 
vinced  him  that    she  was    equal  to    any  mischief    and 
would  made  a  good  spy,  a   paid  spy.      He  did  not  be- 
lieve that  she  would  take  the  trouble  to  pry  into  such 
secrets,  or  sacred  mysteries  [or  the  sole  satisfaction  of 
idle  curiosity.     It  was  hardly  consistent  with  her  natu- 
ral characteristics.     No,  she  must  have  some  object  in 
listening  at  key-holes,  or  cunningly  watching  the   play 
of  the  countenance  that   reveals   so  much   to  the   keen 
observer.     What  then  was  her  object?     In  whose   em- 
ploy and   interest?     For  whom  was  she    hunting  down 
this  poor  tortured  soul  who  lay  on  her  bed  with  closed 
eyes,  pallid  and  haggard,  taking  no    notice  of  even  her 
dearest  friend? 

He  stood  pondering  the  subject  a  few  minutes,  wait- 
ing for  the  appearance  of  Nettie  or  some  one  else.  But 
as  no  one  came  he  started  to  go  back  and  see  Laura 
once  more  before  he  left  the  house,  and  was  amazed  to 
find  Lizette  just  coming  out  of  the  room. 

"What  yer  want?  What  ycr  doin'  here?"  he  de- 
manded shari)ly,  stamping  his  foot  and  glaring  at  her 
fiercely.  "Now  I  tell  yer  to  keep  out  o'  that  there 
room  'n  that's  'nough,  too." 

"I  thoxight  I  heard  my  mistress  calling,"  murmured 
Lizette  ready  with  an  answer  for  any  emergency,  "the 
father  need  not  rebuke  me,  I  am  afraid  that  my  sweet 
mistress  is  sick,  she  is  so  still  and  white,"  and  the 
wily  girl's  face  was  full  o£  sympathy  that  did  not  har- 
monize with  the  glitter  in  her  eyes. 

"She  don't  want  yer  if  she  is  sick;  she  want's  ter  be 
alone  'thout  yer  botherin'  her,  too,  remember,"  and  he 
went  into  the  room  locking  the  do^r  after  him. 

"Humph!"  ejaculated  Air.  Bassett  as  he  paused,  look- 
ing at  the  closed  door  that  iuul  just  barred  out  the  un- 


.4**«,;w»Sft!*ai(,«>« 


If 


rfp™'"™'*'''*"™ 


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) 


96 


GOLD  DUST 


pleasant  ^  face  of  the  French  girl,  "Don't  see  how  she 
can  help  bein' mean  *nd  low  down:  got  snake  eyes  and 
hisses  like  a  snake.  Shouldn't  wonder  if  she  can  bite 
like  one,  too,  on  the  s\y.  One  thing  sartin  I  can't 
leave  Laura  in  the  clutches  of  that  "'bomnible  kanuck" 
— blast  her  picture!  'blieve  she'd  pizen  her  if  I  did. 
Net's  ez  slow  ez  m'lasses  in  January.  Lord!  what  fools 
some  folks  be,  most  on 'em.  If  I  say  boo  to  Hanner 
'bout  it  she'll  be  paddlih'  off  down  here  an'  worryin' 
the  poor  child  to  death.  I  know  she  don't  want  Bob  to 
git  an  idea  'bout  her  faintin',  cause  he'll  be  mistrustin', 
or  somethin',  men  always  are,  likewise  jealous  men  be: 
hain't  got  no  more  sense."  Then  he  went  into  Laura's 
room  and  was  delighted  to  find  her  sitting  by  the 
window. 

"Well,  how're  yer  feelin'?  gittin'  stronger?" 

"Yes,  I'm  stronger,  but  my  head  aches,  and  I'm  tired. 
Will  you  tell  them  below  I  don't  wish  to  be  disturbed. 
I  want  one  day  to  myself,  to  rest  all  day,"  said  she 
wearily  leaning  her  head  against  the  window-sill  and 
closing  her  sad  eyes. 

"Yes,  yes,  child,  they  shan't  disturb  you,  you  kin  rest 
all  you  want  to  if  that's  all;  only,  don't  let  them  white 
hands  lay  idle  too  long,  'cause  you  know  there's  an 
evil  one  alius  fills  idle  hands,  an'  his  work  is  damaging 
to  the  soul.  Clean  hands  is  most  alius  busy  with  some- 
thin' ruther,  if  it's  only  doin'  and  undoin,' just  like 
knittin'  up  yarn,  an' ravelin'  it  out  again.  I've  seen  yer 
gran'ma  Dassett  do  that  long  time  ago.  I  don't  ask  no 
questions,  child,  but  I  can  mind  you  of  your  duty  to 
yerself  and  family:  that's  my  duty  to  you." 

"Have  I  failed  in  my  duty,  father?"  Laura  turned  her 
solemn  eyes  full  upon  him  with  a  look  that  rebuked 
him  severely. 

Not's  I  know  on,  child,  not's  I  know  on,"  he  hastily 


GOLD  DUST 


97 


answered,  "an'  the  Lord  grant  ye  never  may;  but  ye 
mus'u't  min'  yer  ole  pa  so's  to  git  put  out  at  him. "  His 
eyes  were  dim  and  had  a  beseeching  look  that  melted 
the  ice  around  her  heart  as  he  stepped  to  her  side  and 
bent  over  her  with  yearning  tenderness. 

She  closed  her  eyelids  to  shut  back  the  tears,  for  she 
was  yet  physically  weak,  and  his  tender  voice  melted 
her  resentment. 

"Now,  Laura,  I'm  goin'  home'n  jist  want  to  say  one 
thing  by  way  of  warnin',  though  it  aint  none  of  my 
business  to  meddle  with  your  'fairs.  But  it's  my  candid 
opinion,  that  thar  girl  o'yourn,  that  consarned  kanuck 
is  ez  full  of  the  meanness  o'  satan,  ez  the  old  feller, 
himself.  She's  a  sly  one'n  you'd  better  git  rid  o'  her." 

"I  can't  father  without  a  good  reason,"  said  Laura 
wearily,  "and  I  ha\e  none  yet." 

"Well  you'd  better  be  careful'n  keep  yo  ■;  own  coun- 
sel. She's  full  o'  mischief,"  and  he  shool  his  head 
emphatically. 

"How  do  you  know,  father?  Have  you  seen  anything 
that  would  make  you  think  so?"  asked  Laura  languidly. 

"Yis,  I  have.  She  was  listening  at  your  door'n  I 
know  she  was  listening  for  no  good" 

"She  thought  1  called  her:  that  was  all." 

"O,  she's  glib  enough  with  reasons,  but  I  don't  believe 
half  she  says, an'  you'd  better  not  trust  lu;r  neither,"  per- 
sisted her  father  much  to  Laura's  annoyance.  He 
seemed  to  see  tiiis  and  sought  to  overcome  the  feeling 
of  resentment  that  she  might  hold  against  him. 

"Course,  I  don't  mean  no  harm.  She's  your  hired 
girl'n  it's  your  house:  but  I'm  'feard  you  trust  her  to 
much,  Laura, 'n  I  don't.      I  hale  the  sight  o'her!" 

Mr.  Bassett  left  his  daughter's  room  with  a  sad  and 
troubled  heart,  and  it  did  not  ukmuI  matters  any  when, 
upon  going  down  into    the   kitchen,  he   found    Lizette 


■■'mi,'^^4J^^ii^^^  ft*Ksf=>U£;i«»s'« 


f 

i 
1 


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i 


98 


GOLD    DUST 


standing  in  the  back  door  in  earnest  conversation  with 
a  dark,  evil-looking  man,  evidently  a  foreigner. 

The  old  man's  quick  eyes  caught  the  glimmer  of 
gold  when  she  hastily  plunged  her  hand  into  her  pocket 
as  the  man  left,  and  their  haste  and  confusion  con- 
vinced him  if  nothing  else  could,  that  she  was  a  dan- 
gerous person.  The  face  of  the  stranger  left  an  un- 
wholesome impression  upon  Mr.  Eassett  as  of  some  one 
whom  he  had  seen  before. 

Surely  he  had  seen  him  somewhere,  and  so  forcibly 
did  the  matter  take  hold  upon  his  imagination  that  the 
good  old  man  studied  over  him  for  days  afterward.  It 
was  as  though  in  a  dream,  sometimes  vaguely,  some- 
times distinctly,  he  saw  the  dark,  evil  face  loom  up  out 
of  a  crowd.  The  black  eyes  were  flashing  fire,  or  some- 
times looking  keenly,  searchingly  at  him  from  beneath 
beautiful  black  brows.  He  wore  his  long  hair  brushed 
back  from  a  broad,  low  forehead,  and  his  feaures  woie 
a  white,  set.  stern  look,  while  beneath  a  black  mus- 
tache his  white  teeth  gleamed  between  cruel  red  lips. 
His  face  though   stern  was   faultless  in   every   outline, 

a  clean-cut,  cruel  face.  ,     ,    ,.        , 

Mr  Bassett  had  not  heard  him  speak,  yet  he  believed 
him  to  be  a  Bohemian  or  Italian.  In  vain  did  the  old 
man  ransack  his  brain;  nothing  helped  to  solve  the 
mystery.  Sometimes  he  almost  grasped  a  clue,  but  it 
was  gone  again  in  an  instant. 

The  stranger's  face  haunted  him  asleep  or  awake,  ana 
tormented    him  at    all    hours,  and   wherever   he  went 
Sometimes  he  was  so  sure  of  the   man   that   he  would 
open  his  lips  as  though  to  call  him  by  name. 

He  went  so  far  as  to  ask  Nettie  and  Robert,  but  re- 
ccivcd  no  satisfaction  ;  th.'y  had  seen  no  one  and  were 
not  particularly  interested  in  Lizette's  beaux. 

The  old  man  ^o  far  overcame   his   honest   nature   as 


GOLD    DUST 


99 


A\\ 


^i' 


to  resort  to  stealthily  watching  the  house,  and  to  that 
end  he  found  a  sheltered  nook  up  in  the  loft  of  Rob- 
ert's barn,  from  which  he  could  command  a  full  view 
of  the  back  and  sides  of  the  yard.  In  fact  it  was  an 
excellent  position  in  which  to  see  the  several  approaches 
to  the  house.  So  a  few  days  after  the  above  events, 
he  climbed  up  into  the  loft  and  sat  waiting  for  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  stranger  and  Lizette. 

"Looks  dummed  mean  to  be  spying  around  like  this, " 
said  he  to  himself  as  he  crept  into  his  hiding-place, 
"but  I  vum  I'm  goin'  ter  find  out  sumthin'  'bout  that 
blackamore  ef  it  takes  me  inter  wus  places 'n  this.  Guess 
there's  nothin'  wus  here  than  cobwebs'n  spiders'n  sich 
like:  they  don't  hurt.  Jiminy!  that's  jist  what  that 
girl's  like;  a  little  black,  shiny  spider;  one  of  the 
bitin'  kind,  pizen  too.  There,  guess  I'm  ready  to  take 
an  inventory  of  that  feller  if  he  puts  in  an  appearance. 
I'd  just  as  lief  s  ;  \ere  anyhow  if  he  don't,  cause  it's 
still'n  I  shan't  be  disturbed.  Hanner  is  unusually  curi- 
ous and  pryin' lately  ;  seems  to  think  I  need  a  sight  of 
watchin'  an'  'tention.  Humph!  sech  a  thing  as  havin'  to 
much  'tention  from  curious  folks.  Ef  I  was  as  dummed 
curious  as  some  folks  I  know  I'd  put  my  heau  to  soak! 
Jiminy!  there  he  comes  sure's  I  live,  an'  there's  the 
kanuck,  too  ;  see  him  bow  to  her  ez  if  she  was  the 
queen!  He's  got  an  ax  ter  grind  an'  he  wants  a  sharp 
edge  on't  too.  Guess  she's  the  one  to  do  the  job! 
Consarn'  em !" 

They  remained  in  earnest  conversation  for  a  few  min- 
utes and  the  man  again  placed  something  in  her  nantl 
and  she  hastily  transferred  it  to  her  pocket  just  as  the 
door  of  the  house  opened  and  Nettie  appeared. 

Instantly  the  upright  form  of  the  foreigner  took  the 
bent,  bowed  appearance  of  infirmity  or  sickness,  and 
his  whole  manner  was  that  of   a  supplia^^.      However. 


tf,i 


loo  GOLD    DUST 

Nettie  soon  re-entered  the  house,  the  stranger  resinned 
his  erect  attitude  with  a  mocking  bow  toward  the  r.oor 
and  they  seemed  to  proceed  in  their  interrupted  con- 
versation. ^    1       4.1, 

Mr.  B-assett  saw  him  in  an  excited  manner  take  the 
girl  roughly  by  the  shoulder,  and  she,  shrinking  under 
his  rough  grasp,  seemed  assenting  to  his  request.     She 
clasped  her   hands    and    seemed    protesting,  even    im- 
ploring for  life.but  again  the  rude  grasp  of  the  stranger  s 
long,  slim,  white  fingers  brought    her  to  the    required 
state  of  submission.     He  then  turned  away,  but   again 
returned  for  a  minute  and  shook  a  menacing   finger  at 
her    after    which   he   walked    away  quickly,  erectly   as 
one'  born  to  rule  and  be  feared  rather  than  to  be  ruled 
and  to  fear  the  eyes  or  power  of  men. 

Lizette  continued  to  stand  by  the  door  a  few  min- 
utes, evidently  in  deep  dejection,  but  seeing  Allan 
Morton  coming  up  the  walk  she  hastily  went  into  the 
house.  u.  *  * 

"Laura,  I  believe  we  shall  move  to  Chicago," 
Robert  one  evening  soon  after  the  above  events, 
would  that  suit  you?" 

"What  is  your  object  in  moving  to  Chicago? 

"Well,  several  things.  I've  been  thinking  of  hit  for 
some  time  ;  1  didn't  think  hit  worth  while  to  say  hany-- 
thing  habout  it,  huntil  I  was  sure.  Of  course,  hit  s  the 
breaking  hup  and  getting  settled  in  hanother  place  that 
bothers  me.  But  I'm  going  into  a  business  that  will 
take  me  there  hall  the  time,  so  I  guess  we  might  has 
well  move  hand  be  done  with  it.  I  can  sell  the  'ouse 
hany  day  ;  got  a  chance  to  make  a  big  bargain.  ' 

"What    of   father   and    mother,"    she   asked   with    a 

cl'-'iKlrd   face. 

"0,  we'll  take  them  right   halong  too.     I  can  rent  » 


said 
'•'ow 


GOLD    DUST 


lOI 


cottage  near  us,  hand  they  can  be  just  as  comfortable 
as  'ere-  .nore  so  for  Chicago  is  going  to  be  the  livest 
city  hin  the  States.  It's  positively  necessary  for  me  to 
be  there,  hand  of  course  I  want  my  family  with  me;" 
he  looked  up  inquiringly. 

"I  suppose  so,"  she  answered  gently,  feeling  called 
upon  to  say  something.  Yet  her  heart  resented  his 
past  selfish  disregard  of  wife  and  children  in  his  eager 
pursuit  of  money,  so  she  could  not  be  very  enthusiastic 
over  this  new  plan. 

""ow  do  you  feel  habout  going?  'ave  any  hobjec- 
tions?"  he  asked,  being  sensitive  to  the  chill  in  her 
voice. 

"O,  if  you  think  best,  1  am  satisfied."  She  did  not 
look  satisfied  and  he  knew  it  was  but  another  proof  of 
her  stiong  will,  this  indifference  to  the  subj.ect  in  ques- 
tion. "Of  course,  I  hope  father  and  mother  will  go ;  I 
should  miss  father  so,"  her  voice  trembled  slightly, 
and  Robert,  immediately  relieved  that  she  should  con- 
sent so  readily,  vowed  inwardly  that  they  should  go,  for 
he  would  hold  out  such  inducements  that  they  would 
be  unable  to  refuse ;  so  he  told  Laura  his  decision,  and 
was  greatly  dslighfed  to  see  her  evident  relief. 

"I  don't  want  to  leave  them,  and  if  they  will  go  will- 
ingly, I  think  I  should  be  glad  of  the  change." 

So  Robert  talked  the  matter  over  with  the  old  folks, 
and  was  delighted  to  find  them  so  tractable. 

Mrs.  Bassett,  like  all  old  mothers,  was  loth  at  first 
to  leave  the  spot  upon  which  she  had  lived  so  many 
years,  but  her  old  husband  believed  it  was  just  the 
thing  :  of  course,  he  would  follow  his  own  children.  He 
believed,  too,  that  the  change  would  be  good  for  Laura, 
and  told  her  so.  He  secretly  hoped,  but  did  not  tell 
her,  that  she  would  discharge  the  "kanuck,"  and  then 
her  black  follower  would  be  left  behind,  too. 

Yes,  altogether  it  was  a  good  plan ;  he'd  go, 


!    I 


xoa 


GOLD    DUST 


I 
I' 


CHAPTER  X 

WALLIE   AND  DONNY 

In   a  down-town  office,  No.  256 St.  in  Chicago. 

up  two  flights  of  stairs,  which,  by  the  way  are  seldom 
used,  owing  to  that  modern  invention  of  chmbnig  sky- 
ward known  as  the  elevator,  sit  two  men  neither  of 
whom  will  bear  the  closest  scrutiny  if  one  is  particu  ar 
about  such  little  matters  as  frank,  candid  eyes,  whole- 
some  laugh,  honest,  clean  speech,  in  fact,  honest;,  and 
cleanliness  in  heart,  brain  and  habits. 

These  men  were  as  unlike  as  the  antipodes,  but  it 
might  be  for  that  very  reason  they  agreed  so  harmoni- 
ously ;  if  they  ever  disagreed  it  was  because  they  agreed 
to  disagree.  So  harmoniously  did  they  live,  that  while 
in  No  256  they  breathed  and  worked  as  one  man,  and 
that  one  man  might  be  called  for  convenience  Samuel 
Donovan  or  Jason  Waller,  it  mattered  littje  which. 

Tust  at  present  these  two  worthies  were  deeply  inter- 
ested in  a  paper  which  they  held  in  their  hands.  I  say 
they,  advisedly,  for  each  held  a  corner  of  the  sheet,  and 
both  were  endeavoring  to  deciplier  its  contents. 

Though  they  were  known  as  Samuel  Donovan  and 
lason  Waller,  with  an  Esq.  after  each  honored  appella- 
tion, yet.  familiarly,  alone  in  their  office,  they  were  ten- 
derly, confidentially,  "Donny"  and  "Walhe." 

Samuel  Donovan  was  a  big,  pompous.red-faced. sandy- 
haired,  yellow-cycd,  pug-nosed  individual,  who  dressed 
gorgeously  and  sported  diamonds  enough  to  cover  with 
glory  a  half  do7,en  fashionable  belles.  His  companion. 
Jason  Waller,  bachelor  ostensibly,  was  tall,  thin,  with 
iron-grav  hair,  piercing  black  eyes,  heavy,  black  mus- 
fache,  roman    nose,    wide,    rhin  lipped    t^oMth,  whoso 


GOLD    DUST 


103 


hatchet    face    portrayed    benevolence,    or   cruelty    and 
craftiness  as  the  mood  or  tense  might  be. 

Benevo'ent,  he  certainly  was,  in  the  big  church  where 
he  worshipped,  and  to  which  he  liberally  subscribed, 
beside  paying  for  a  high-priced  pew,  for  he  was  a  firm 
believer  in  the  creed  that  had  been  made  for  just  such 
as  he: 

"He  that  giveth  to  the  church  lendeth  to — Jason 
Waller." 

Then,  too,  it  was  eminently  respectable  to  give  lib- 
erally to  the  church.  His  name  headed  every  list  and 
became  a  synonym  for  all  things  good  and  desirable. 
Indeed,  many  a  man  joined  Waller's  church,  because, 
when  looking  about  for  a  correct  and  exclusive  place 
where  he  might  worship  respectably,  with  credit  and 
comfort  to  himself,  he  was  told  in  glowing  colors  that 
"our  church  has  upon  its  lists  such  men  as  Jason  Wal- 
ler, you  have  doubtless  heard  of  him,  millionaire, 
aristocrat,  very  benevolent ;  lives  in  an  elegant  suite 
of  rooms  in  the  biggest  hotel  in  the  city:  choose  this 
church.  Good  music,  everything  fine,  select  families. 
Just  the  church  for  people  of  the  best  class;  nothing 
common  here!" 

No  one  could  accuse  Samuel  Donovan  of  being  "pi- 
ous," as  he  called  it,  yet  he,  too,  was  a  liberal  subscriber 
t(5  various  churches,  and  certainly  his  returns  were 
ijuinense. 

In  iiis  younger  days  he  had  been  dubbed  Don  Juan, 
becuise  of  his  careless  search  for  a  wife,  one  that  he 
could,  or  would,  keep.  Sometimes,  too,  ho  had  been 
called  a  "Gay  Lothario."  There  might  have  been  some 
connection  between  this  and  his  troubles  about  his 
wives,  but  to  his  friend  he  was  Doniiy. 

Just  at  the  present  time  when  we  find  tlu'tu  in  their 
offtce,  thos«j  two  fritnidg  have  agreed  that  tlic  letter  in 


li 


B^iy 


il 


■^msmimm^mi^^P' 


104 


GOLD    DUST 


\\A 


their  hands  contains  a  chie  by  which  they  may,  thanks 
to  their  astuteness,  gain  a  coveted  point. 

"Now,  this  is  ours,  Wallie,  between  ourselves,  we 
understand,"  said  Donovan,  looking  very  profound 
through  his  little  yellow  eyes,  "ye  see,  we'll  need  to 
spend  a  heap  of  money  this  winter." 

"If  we're  permitted,"  interrupted  Wallie  with  a  terse- 
ness about  the  mouth  and  a  sneer  curling  the  nostrils 
of  his  hawk  nose. 

"We'll  be  permitted,  Wallie,  and  don't  you  forget  it." 

"Can  you  make  a  river   run  up  hill?"  asked  Waller. 

"Why  not,  with  sufficcnt  power?  They  run  trains  up 
hill  ;  why  not  a  river?"  answered  Donovan  bringing  his 
fist  down  upon  his  big  knee  with  a  heavy  thud. 

"You'll  break  your  knee-pan,  Donny,  if  you  get  ex- 
cited, and  then  I'll  have  to  waste  my  sympathy  on  you, 
and  it  will  exhaust  the  stock,  there  is  so  much  of  you." 

A  hearty  chuckle  that  presently  ended  in  a  boister- 
ous laugh  was  all  the  answer  Waller  got  from  his  big 
friend,  as  for  a  few  moments  lie  eyed  him  in  mock  se- 
verity. 

"N'  "hing  but  jealousy:  nothing  at  all.  I'll  have  to 
get  a  new  partner,"  and  again  Donovan  exploded  in 
laughter. 

"You  can't  do  without  me  to  keep  you  respectable, 
you  know  you  can't,  Mr.  Donovan,"  replied  Waller 
grimly. 

"Respectable!  ho!  ho!  ho!  'Spectable!  he!  he!  lie! 
You'll  kill  me  yet,  yo»i  old  sinner  you!"  roared  Dono- 
van. "There  ain't  enough  of  yo>i  to  make  a  respectable 
man.     Ha!  ha!  ha'" 

"There's  too  much  of  you,  Donny,  you'll  excite  the 
cupidity  of  the  soap  manufacturers,"  answered  liis  flesh- 
less  chum  in  droll  humor. 

A  gurgling  laugh  followed  tliis  monstrous  wit  whidi 


GOLD    DUST 


105 


was  interrupted  by  the  entrance  of  the  office  boy  bear- 
ing in  his  hand  a  card  that  he  gave  to  Donovan. 

Wiping  liis  eyes  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of 
his  left  liand,  lie  read  the  name  upon  the  card,  with  a 
nod  of  satisfaction,  gave  it  his  partner,  saying: 

"What  will  we  do?     See  him?  ' 

"Have  to,  I  guess.      Does  it  pay  to  refuse  him?" 

"Not  obliged  to  see  him  if  we  don't  want  to,"  quickly 
answered  Donovan  blinking  fiercely  through  the  mists 
that  still  made  his  glance  uncertain. 

"The  gentleman  is  in  haste,"  respectfully  announced 
the  office  boy. 

"Let  him  wait,"  said  Waller,  curtly. 

"And  lose  that  man's  assistance?"  asked  Donovan, 
looking  over  his  shoulder  at  his  partner.  "The  man 
has  money  ;  we  shall  need  his  money,  he  wants  power  ; 
we  want  the  help  of  just  sucli  men,  even  without  a 
dollar.  Belter  not  let  him  wait  too  long,  unless  we 
have  all  the  money  and  assistance  we  shall  need  in  the 
future." 

Donovan  h.id  not  counted  in  vain  upon  the  induence 
of  the  last  remark.  Waller  consented  to  see  him,  but 
it  puzzled  Donovan  why  his  friend  seemeil  so  loth  or 
careless  about  admitting  the  stranger. 

"Show  him  in:  I  don't  care,"  said  Donovan,  "What 
do   you   suppose   he  wants    this    time?"  he   asked    his 

friend. 

"Money,  I  guess,"  tersely  responded  Waller,  without 
shifting  his  glance  from  the  wintlow  before  which  he 
stood  staring  at  some  object  below. 

"Well,  we  ha-'-  some  to  let,  of  course,"  said  Dono- 
van, curious  to  >.aow  what  contrary  spirit  had  in)sses- 
sion  of  his  friend. 

"We  have  some,  or  none,  ns  the  cuso   may  be,"  suiU 

Waller. 


. 


A 


■ -4<  ,|ll^iSi^^'*ft9^8fs4^»?^*wfei.«tK^^^^^^^ 


1 06 


GOLD    DUST 


"Shall  we  have  some  then?  Do  stop  your  staring  at 
that  window  and  attend  to  business,  what's  the  matter 

with  you?" 

Jason  Waller  turned  coolly  and  answered  in  a  drawl- 
ing tone,  "Why,  if  he  gives  good  security,  we  may  loan 
to  him;  but  we  shall  need  to  control  large  sums  of 
money  from  time  to  time  this  winter.  Do  you  think 
we  can  do  it,  if  we  lend  to  this  man?" 

"Guess  we  can.  I  shall  be  handling  a  large  amount 
independent  of  the  firm's  money.  You  know  your  own 
resources,  don't  you?" 

Before  Waller  had  replied  to  Donovan's  question, 
the  door  opened  and  their  visitor  entered  the  room. 

"How  de  do!  sir,  glad  to  see  you,"  said  Donovan, 
as  he  grasped  the  hand  of  Robert  Mortoi-.  in  a  friendly 
way,  and  in  the  most  cordial  manner  gave  him  a  seat. 

"Business  has  usual,"  said  Morton,  briskly,  by  way  of 
salute,  surveying  his   host's  table  piled   high  with  let- 

ters,  papers,  etc. 

"Never  was  out  of  business,"  answered  Donovan,  nod- 
ding his  head  wisely,  "just  now  we  have  the  biggest 
thing  we  ever  had  on  our  h.\nds." 

"A  big  thing  in  money-making.  I'll  venture,"  rejoined 
their  guest  half  quizzingly  and  with  a   shrewd  look  in 

his  eyes. 

"It  will  yield  money,  or  I  wouldn't  spend  my  time 
over  it,"  was  the  answer  of  Donovan,  with  a  cautious 
yet  off  hand  dash  in  his  voice. 

"Money  will  tell,"  answered  Morton,  "and  hit's  the 
honly  thing  in  God's  green  earth  that  will  tell!"  and 
he  nodded  his  head  emphatically  at  Jason  Waller,  who 
h.id.  except  for  a  brief  salutation,  kept  silent.  Now  he 
responded  by  an  assenting  nod,  though  from  a  lofty 
henght.  answering  piously  as  became  a  man  with  a 
cluistian  reputation  to  sustain: 


i'lS 


GOLD  DUST 


107 


"Yes,  true  enough,  but  money  is  only  |;iven  us  to 
put  to  good  uses." 

"Just  lent  us  by  tlic  Lord,"  echoed  Donovan,  strok- 
ing down  the  muscles  of  his  face,  for  fear  their  natural 
tendencies  should  betray  him  to  their  visitor. 

"Well  that's  hall  right,  but  your  time's  precious,  I 
take  it,  and  I  may  as  well  be  brief  with  my  business," 
answered  Morton,  who  was  not  in  sympathy  with  the 
last  remarks. 

Being  assured  bv  his  hosts  that  he  had  not  made  a 
false  estimate  of  the  value  of  their  time  he,  proceeded 
to  negotiate  for  a  loan.  After  some  haggling  and  many 
questions  by  way  of  due  caution  on  their  part,  they  at 
last  granted  "as  a  personal  favor,"  the  sum  of  $25,000, 
for  a  certain  time,  at  a  certain  per  cent,  after  which 
Morton  went  away. 

"What  do  you  s'pose  that  man's  up  to  now?"  as-.ked 
Donovan,  as  their  visitor's  footsteps  died  away  in  t!ie 
corridor  outside. 

"Up  to  money-getting,"  laconically  answered  Waller. 

"Wallie,  iiave  you  got  any  news  to  tell?"  chuckled 
the  big  man  of  the  firm. 

"I  shall  be  able  to  tell  you  some  news  later,"  was 
the  cool  answer.  "Meantime  I'm  going  to  call  on  that 
needy  female  down  at  '126'  that  you  liave  so  heartlessly 
neglected.  She  wants  some  help:  What  sluill  be  tlic 
figures?  twenty-five  per  cent?" 

"'Bout  that,  twenty-  five  percent  for  sixty  dajs  only. 
I  promised  to  call  there  myself,  but  I  hate  calling  on 
indigent  females  ;  they  always  have  a  sad  story  to  re- 
late, and  that  upsets  me  for  business." 

"You  haven't  any  of  the  spirit  of  self-sacrifice,  I  see. 
Doubtless,  she  would  be  overwhelmed  to  see  you," 
facetiously  answered  Waller,  as  he  brushed  an  imagi- 
nary speck  of  dust  off  his  coat-sleeve.    "However,  I  hope 


mnnmiiwpiw!^«PHHP 


t 


108 


GOLD   DUST 


she'll  be  brief  and  prompt  with  business,  fur  I  luite 
tears  and  a  scene  as  much  as  you  do,  but  I  can  stand 
them  if  it  serves  my  purpose.     A  case  of  this  kind  isn't 

promising." 

"Wallie,  you  have  no  appreciation  of  lonely  widows. 
I  guess  I  had  best  go  after  all.     You'll  be  sure  to  make 

her  cry." 

"You  don't  seem  to  be  informed  about  my  feelings 
for  the  widow,  Donny.  She  is  a  charge  of  our  church, 
sews  for  Mrs.  Van  Tassel,  who  don't  even  know  her  by 
sight,  but  asked  me  to  permit  the  widow  to  remain  in 
her  room  a  while  longer  as  a  personal  favor  to  herself, 
and  insists  on  paying  me  with  her  most  fascinating 
smiles  and    an  invitation    to    her  party  next  week,  eh, 

Donny?" 

"Good  enough!  Wallie,  do  vou  know  who  s  going  to 

be  there?" 

"Everybody  and  his  wife,  if  he  can  get  a  card,  I  sup- 
pose," answered  Wallie  nonchalantly,  as  he  drew  on 
his  gloves  over  his  long,  slim,  dark  hiuuls. 

"But  this  one  hasn't  a  wife,"  pursued  Donovan,  ex- 
ultantly. .     ,  „r   11 

"Then  he   has  my  sympathies,"  replied  Waller,  in  a 

mock  sorrowful  voice  that  convulsed  his  friend. 

"To  save  your  life.  Wallie,  I  will  tell  you  that  it  is 
youi  royal  foe." 

"Allan  Morton?" 

"Yes  Allan  Morton,  he's  a  lion  now.  Poor  as  a 
church'mouse,  but  a  hundred    per  cent  better  than  his 

cousin." 

"1  hate  him,"  Hercely  hissed  Waller. 

"Thoughtyou  likotoknow;he'llbetherc,  no  doubt; 
but  what    surprises  me  is  that  Robert  is  asked,  too." 


"Humph!    can't  you    see 
card,"  replied  Waller,  sneer 


?     His    lovely  wife    in    th 


in 


«!>'■ 


GOLD    DUST 


109 


"How  in  heaven's  name  did  she  come  to  marry  that 
man?" 

"Beauty  and  the  beast.  Satan  always  manages  such 
marriages.  He'll  manage  theirs!"  with  which,  Waller 
rose  to  go  out. 

Eyeing  Waller's  sallow  face  that  had  taken  on  a 
cruel,  rigid  look,  Donovan  saw  that  which  restrained 
his  ready  laugh,  an  honest  sacrifice  on  his  part. 

After  Waller  left  the  office,  Donovan  sat  for  a  few 
minutes  still  whistling  softly,  for  he  was  too  loyal  to 
laugh  at  Waller  in  the  man's  present  mood  while  even 
his  footsteps  echoed  outside  in  the  corridor.  But  as 
the  last  sound  died  away  in  the  distance,  he  burst  out 
in  a  hearty  guffaw  and  winked  and  blinked  and  nodded 
at  the  door  that  had  just  closed  uoon  the  form  of  his 
friend. 

"Sly  dog,  that  Wallic!  smart's  a  briar.  Makes  otliers 
smart,  too.  Ho!  ho!  ho!  I  must  tt;ll  tliat  to  Wallic: 
won't  he  snarl!  Ho!  ho!  ho!  How  ho  hates  Allan 
Morton!  Can't  more'n  half  tell  why.  Shouldn't  won- 
der if  there's  a  woman  in  the  case  :  always  is,  bless  'cu" ! 
He  don't  tell  even  me  what  makes  him  so  spiteful 
against  that  man.  I'll  ask  him.  H  he  don't  tell  me, 
I'll  watch  him.  I  have  my  opinion,  though.  Wallie 
mustn't  have  secrets,  it's  against  our  interests.  If  he 
has  secrets,  I  can't  trust  him.  He'll  be  no  good.  He's 
deep,  is  Wallie.      Ho!  come." 

Again  the  office  boy  came  in  bearing  a  card  which  he 
gave  to  Donovan,  as  Wallie,  for  whom  the  card  was 
intended,  was  out.     Donovan  read  tlie  name: 

"Leon  Illardo.      What  does  he  want?" 

"Don't  know.     He  wants  to  see  Mr.  Waller." 

"Mr.  Waller's  out.     Tell  him  to  call  again." 

After  the  boy  went  out.  Donovan  cat  a  few  in!  11  utt^s 
and  pondered   over  the   name   on    the    card.     Another 


110 


GOLD    DUST 


secret,  perhaps,  and   he  hated   secrets   between   them, 
vent  to  an  exclamation  more  emphatic 


f  his    superior  business  con- 


Presently  giving 

than  becoming  to  a  man  o 

nections,  and  going  to  a  small  secretary  that  bore  upon 

its  silver  plate  the  name  of  Jason  Waller,  he  opened  it 

with  an   odd-looking    instrument  which   bore   no  more 

rec-^mblance  to  a  key,  than  Donovan   himself  did    to  a 

good  man  and  a  gentleman,  and  taking  from  one  of  its 

small  drawers  a  sealed  letter,  he  compared  the  name  of 

the  address  with  the  one  on  the  card.     They  were  just 

the  same.     "Leon  Illardo,  No  37 St." 

"CcEsar'  I  saw  him  writing  that  letter  yesterday. 
Why  didn't  he  post  it?  Why  didn't  he  tell  me;  if 
it's  business,  I  ve  a  right  to  know.  Wallie  mustn't  have 
secrets  that  concern  the  firm  of  Donovan  and  Waller.' 

Now,  does  it  not  seem  a  little  one-sided  that  Dono- 
van should  exact  the  utmost  candor  from  his  partner, 
while  he,  himself,  was  possessed  of  a  secret  which  well 
might  have  startled  Waller,  had  he  but  known  that  his 
partner  had  in  his  pocket  an  instrument  that  could  re- 
veal to  its  possessor  the  contents  of  his.  Waller's,  pri- 
vate secretary?  •    ,    .1 

Before  closing  the  secretary,  Donovan  copied  the 
name  and  address  in  his  note-book,  and  then  carefully 
placing  the  letter  in  the  drawer  just  as  he  thought  he 
had  found  it,  he  shut  the  lid,  which  fastened  by  a  spring 
lock,  and  resumed  his  seat  just  in  time  to  meet  Waller 
smilingly,  though  his  mind  was  full  of  the  mystery  of 
the  card  which  bore   the   name,  Leon   Illardo,  No.  37 

St.  .         , 

"Had  company?"  was  the    first  question  that    put  to 

flight  his  remaining  self-possession,  as  Waller  seemed 

to  eye  him  with  unusual  keenness. 

"I  haven't,  but  you  have,"  answered  Donovan,  trying 

to  speak  smoothly,  but  only  partially  succeeding. 


GOZjy  BUST 


III 


"What  name?" 

"Leon  Illardo,  but  there  is  the  card,"  and  he  threw 
it  upon  the  table  vexed  at  his  thoughtlessness  in  hold- 
ing it  in  his  hard  but  still  watching  covertly  the  effect 
of  his  words. 

"Humph!  Leon  Illardo!  Did  he  state  his  business?" 
asked  Waller,  stolidly  looking  at  his  watch,  then  seat- 
ing himself  by  the  table  began  writing,  and  waiting 
a  reply  with  evident  composure. 

"I  did  not  see  him,"  Donovan  replied.  "He  wanted 
more  cogenial  company."  As  Donovan  failed  to  get 
an  answer  to  his  small  attempt  at  pleasantry,  he  asked 
impatientl)' : 

"Who  is  the  man  anyhow?  I've  never  seen  him, 
never  heard  of  him  before.     Who  is  he,  Waller?" 

"He  is  just  what  his  card  purports  him  to  be,  Leon 
Illardo.  Let  us  attend  to  our  mutual  interests,"  an- 
swered Waller,  blandly  yet  firmly. 

"O,  then,  I'm  to  understand  that  Leon  Illardo  is 
none  of  my  business.  You  sly  dog!  I'll  set  a  trap 
for  you.  No  secrets  here  if  you  please!"  shaking  his 
finger  at  Waller.  But  he  did  not  laugh,  a  fact  which 
attracted  the  attention  of  his  partner,  who  looked  at 
him  in  a  cool,  critical  way,  and  only  asked  by  way  of 
rejoinder,  not  wishing  to  make  Donovan  uneasy  as  he 
seemed  to  be: 

"How  have  you  employed  your  time  in  my  absence? 
Have  you  been  ferreting  out  my  secrets?" 

But  Donovan  was  on  the  defensive  in  an  instant  and 
answered  with  a  brave  air: 

"You  have  no  secret  can't  keep  ;'iy:  you're  too 
thin,"  at  which  ap})lication  of  the  popular  slang,  the 
big  member  of  the  lirm  roaretl  and  shoutud  :ui(l  fj;^urgled, 
until  from  very  sym})athy,  Waller,  too,  suffered  a  relax- 


112 


GOLD  DUST 


ation  of  the  muscles  about   the   mouth  to   replace   the 
grim  austerity  of  his  sallow  fa«.'^. 

This  so  delighted  his  friend  that  he  gazed  at  him  in 
rapt  admiration  for  a  few  moments,  then  went  off  into 
another  roar  that  brought  the  office  boy  to  inquire 
mildly,  if  anybody  called  or  was  hurt. 

Assured  by  Waller  that  no  one  but  Mr.  Donovan  was 
suffering,  and  that,  owing  to  his  extreme  youth  and 
lack  of  muscle  he  had  not  been  called,  the  boy  departed, 
believing  that  "Mr.  Waller  was  a  queer  one,  but  that 
Mr.  Donovan  was  the  jolliest  lark!" 

"Now  I'm  prepared  to  relate  my  'experience'  while 
I  was  out  this  morning,  if  you  are  sufficiently  recovered 
from  your  last  attack  of  idiocy  to  listen  intelligently," 
said  Waller,  relapsing  into  raillery  as  the  best  method 
of  disposing  of  confusion. 

"Go  on,  I'm  all  right.  Sober  as  a  deacon  in  a  prayer- 
meeting." 

"Don't  cast  slurs  at  the  prayer- meeting,"  was  the 
sarcastic  reproof  of  Waller,  "don't  you  know  they  are 
the  gathering  places  of  angels?  Now  let's  descend  to 
earth  again." 

Then  they  opened  letters  and  were  soon  absorbed  in 
the  coming  winter's  ventures,  which  no  doubt  were 
very  promising. 

"Now  what  we  want  is  to  get  Morton  to  help  us; 
he's  so  crazy  for  money  that  he'll  work  like  a  beaver. 
We  must  be  able  to  control  a  million,  or  several  mil- 
lions, if  necessary.  Once  launched  there  is  no  drawing 
back.  Morton  is  one  of  those  live,  magnetic  men  who 
carries  a  crowd  with  him.  Money  will  got  him  every 
time." 

There  was  no  levity  now,  either  in  tone  or  manner. 
The  firm  of  Waller  and  Donovan  had  settled  down  to 
business.    In  that  aspect  we  see  them  as  they  are,  most 


GOLD    DUST 


113 


intensely   individual,  alert,  active,   grasping,  unflinch- 


ing. 


Laughter,  nonsense,  raillery,  were  as  natural  to  Don- 
ovan as  mlrthlessness,  sarcasm,  caustic  wit,  and  stern- 
ness were  to  Waller,  yet  upon  the  peal  of  Uie  door  bell, 
the  tick  of  the  clock,  the  flash  of  an  eye,  both  could 
turn  to  business  with  a  oneness  of  purpose  that  was 
perhaps  the  great  underlying  secret  of  their  mutual 
success,  for  each  was  bent  upon  the  scheme  of  a  life- 
time, to  be  rich  and  powerful. 

These  two  men  had  sprung  from  poverty.  Donovan 
had  once  been  an  errand  bey;  Waller  had  lived  by  his 
wits  in  New  Orleans.  They  did  not  refer  to  these  times 
in  the  par'ors  of  their  rich  friends  of  the  present  day. 
There  might  come  a  time  when  they  would  stand  be- 
fore a  crowd  whose  assistance  and  votes  were  neces- 
sary to  their  acWancement  and,  witii  success,  resurrect 
their  plebeian  ancestry  as  attestors  to  their  devotion 
and  sympathy  to  the  people  whom  they  were  pledged 
to  serve ;  there  might  come  a  time  when  they  would 
seek  glory  in  boasting  of  the  old  days  of  starved  and 
naked  boyhood,  the  better  to  attest  to  their  sympathy 
for  the  down-trodden  masses  whose  condition  they 
were  trying  to  elevate.  But  now  to  the  rest  of  the 
world  they  were  Samuel  Donovan,  Esq  ,  and  Jason 
Waller,  Esq.  In  their  office  at  this  present  moment  they 
are  Donny  and  Wallie,  with  their  heads  low  over  the 
same  letter  which  was  of  vital  interest  to  them.  After 
reading  it  over  and  over  again,  Jason  Waller  said 
with  a  decisive  compression  of  his  thin  lips  : 

"We  must  do  as  this  letter  requires  to  satisfy  them. 
We  must  get  the  inside  track  of  the  working  classes, 
and  in  order  to  do  that  we  must  impress  upon  their 
minds  our  interest  and  devotion,  our  wealth  which  we 
will  devote  to  the  cause,  the  elevation  of  the  labor-     ; 


114 


GOLn  DUST 


man.  Once  get  their  confidence,  and  they  will  pour 
their  wage  money  into  our  treasury.  They  are  igno- 
rant ;  many  of  them  neither  read  nor  write  :  we  must 
get  the  help  of  some  of  their  own  nationality,  too. 
They  are  in  deadly  opposition  to  the  native-born  Amer- 
ican. We  shall  need  such  men  as  Morton,  slaves  to 
their  greed  for  money,  to  work  for  lis.  Morton  would 
scout  the  idea,  but  he  would  sell  his  soul  for  money. 
He  does  not  know  it ;  I  do  know  it.  He  is  just  the 
man.  We  don't  want  a  mm  with  a  conscience  alive 
to  every  pin  prick  of  public  opinion  ;  when  we  have 
done  with  him  there  will  be  ample  time  to  feel  sensi- 
tive to  wasp  stings." 

"Morton  is  keen,  Wallie:  don't  lose  sight  of  that  and 
underestimate  him,"  said  Donovan,  fearing  that  his 
friend  did  not  fully  appreciate  the  character  of  the 
man  whom  they  wished  to  employ. 

"So  am  I:  never  forget  that:  I  know  the  man,  he 
loves  money.  His  favorite  maxim  is  'Money  will  tell.' 
Don,  there  are  just  two  things  I  will  have,  by  i;v;>  ni*^ans 
if  I  can,  but  have  them  I  will.  I  will  be  *:u  i>  -  .  ^.or 
of  a  million  at  least,  and  the  fairest  woman  on  the  face 
of  the  earth.      I  don't  care  how  I  get  her,  she  must  be 

•"  ■ne. 

,  hi?  intensity  Waller  had  pushed  back  from  the 
ta!  1.  '.a J  a.  lie  hissed  out  the  last  words,  the  tempest 
withi:>  h!Mi  glowed  through  his  black  eyes,  and  crim- 
soned his  usually  ^allow  face,  while  his  long,  dark  fin- 
gers writhed  and  twisted  about  each  other  as  though 
they  were  strangling  some  poor,  troublesome  wretch 
who  dared  oppose  him. 

This  was  a  new  phase  in  Waller's  personality  that 
astonished  Donovan  and  left  him  no  disposition  to 
laugh.  He  couhl  only  stare  in  surprise  at  the  excited 
pian    and  wait    further   d.-vclopmont'S.      TJo   had  never 


GOLD  DUST 


115 


seen  him  in  the  character  of  lover,  and  had  no  adequate 
conception  of  his  vindictivcness  toward  a  rival, although 
he  knew  him  to  be  an  implacable  foe.  lie  was  on 
thorns  to  know  all  about  it,  but  he  knew  Waller  too 
well  to  ask  about  his  private  affairs.  The  fierce  rlitter 
in  his  eyes  made  Donovan  nervous.  His  own  easy- 
going nature  would  have  preferred  a  smoother  court^^hip, 
without  hate,  rage,  jealousy,  perhaps  even  more  for 
Waller  had  plainly  meant  that  if  there  was  an  obsi  icle 
in  the  way  to  his  obtaining  the  "fairest  woman"  he 
would  not  hesitate  to  remove  it.  So  thinking  tin  se 
things  over,  Donovan  stared  at  his  friend,  but  vouch- 
safed no  reply. 

Conscious  that  he  had  lost  the  mastery  over  himseif 
to  a  dangerous  degree,  W^aller  arose  and  went  to  the 
window,  and  remained  looking  down  upon  the  crowd 
until  he  had  become  calm  again;  then  with  an  evident 
purpose  he  souglit  to  lead  his  friend's  mind  away  from 
the  subject  tliat  had  excited  him. 

Donovan  understood  this,  and  saw  Waller  start  and 
clutch  the  window-sill  as  a  look  full  of  passionate  hate 
filled  his  eyes.  Donovan  was  more  surprised  than 
ever  at  these  new  evidences  of  a  nature  that  had  beom 
seemingly  so  foreign  to  the  man.  He  had  always  ap- 
peared cold  and  self-possessed. 

"What  do  you  see  in  the  street?"  asked  Donovan. 
He  wanted  to  talk  business  and  it  bothered  him  to  find 
Waller  so  absorbed  in  a  matter  which  he  knew 
nothing. 

"I  see,"  said  Waller,  drawing  liimself  together  again, 
but  yet  scowling  fiercely,  "I  see  a  crowd."  But  this 
was  what  Jason  Waller  saw:  Looking  out  upon  the 
crowd  below,  he  had  seen  a  lady  enter  the  store  oi)po- 
site.  Outside  stood  her  carriage.  He  recognized  the 
Morton  carriage.     Tiie  horses  were  uneasy  and  restive. 


'^f^mtumiHIMtUM 


ii6 


GOLD  DUST 


i ' 


li: 
V 


The  coachniai)  could  with  great  difficulty  restrain  them 
from  dashing  off  down  the  street.  Presently  he  saw 
Mrs.  Morton  come  out  and  endeavor  to  get  into  the 
carriage  alone.  He  saw  her  step  back  as  though  afraid 
of  them,  for  they  were  fast  becoming  unmanageable. 
Then  he  saw  a  dark,  well-dressed  man  step  to  her  side, 
and  touching  his  hat  politely  offer  his  assistance. 

She  smilingly  accepted  his  offer  liand  and  again 
essayed  to  enter  the  carriage,  but  with  no  better  success 
than  before,  even  less,  for  had  she  not  stepped  quickly 
back,  partly  upheld  by  the  man's  supporting  arm,  she 
must  have  been  jerked  off  her  feet,  for  the  horses,  ren- 
dered more  furious  by  the  angry  voice  of  the  coach- 
man, were  now  plunging  violently. 

It  was  at  that  time,  that  with  a  scowl  of  hate,  Waller 
saw  Allan  Morton  ride  hastily  up,  and  throwing  his 
reins  to  the  terrified  coachman,  with  a  grip  of  steel 
hold  the  plunging  animals  absolutely  still. 

Don')\'an  had  taken  in  the  situation,  having  been 
been  attracted  to  the  window  by  the  looks  of  Waller; 
he  saw  Mrs.  Morton  take  tiie  hand  of  the  waiting 
stranger  who  politely  assisted  her  into  the  waiting  car- 
riage, and  wns  driven  away;  saw  Allan  Morton  mount 
his  horse  hastily,  watching  them  until  they  turned  the 
corner,  then  dash  on  after  them. 

Donovan  saw  the  handsome  dark  stranger  watch  until 
Allan  had  disappeared,  then  glancing  nj)  at  the  window 
a  moment,  pass  up  the  street. 

Looking  at  Waller  just  at  the  moment  of  that  up- 
ward glance,  Donovan  saw  a  gleam  of  recognition  flash 
momentarily  into  his  eyes. 

"Who  is  that  man?"  he  asked,  as  Waller  turned  his 
giiltcring  eyes  in  the  direction  the  carriage  ami  horse- 
man had  disappeared,  "he  scums  to  know  you.  who  is 
hu?" 


GOLD  DUST 


117 


"Leon  Illardo, "  quietly  answered  Waller. 

"Leon  Illardo!  wh)',  that  man  is  a  gentleman,"  said 
Donovan  in  surprise. 

"Leon  Illardo  claims  to  be  a  gentleman.  We  are 
all  gentlemen  in  broadcloth,"  was  Waller's  sarcastic 
reply  as  lie  turned  away  from  the  window  and  resumed 
his  seat  by  the  table,  and  again  taking  up  the  subject 
of  the  letter  referred  to  in  the  beginning  of  the  chap- 
ter, said,  as  though  his  mind  had  been  upon  it  all  the 
time  : 

"Now  this  is  just  what  we  want.  We  must  keep  this 
letter  to  refer  to  at  any  time,  for  it  furnishes  the  assur- 
ance without  which  we  would  not  be  justified  in  going 
into  the  thing.      Hear  this: 

"'They  will  not  promise  what  you  want,  neither  will 
they  trust  you  unless  you  promise  to  co  operate  with 
us  against  the  city  police  force.  These  men  are  all 
Germans,  Poles  and  Bohemians,  sworn  foes  to  the 
police  force  who  are  all  Irish,  or  nearly  all.  These 
men  must  have  the  assurance  tluit  you  will  work  in 
their  interest:  then  tliey  will  collect  their  forces  and 
follow  you  as  their  friend.' 

"What  do  you  think  of  that,  Donny?  Here's  a  big 
chance  for  a  strong,  well-balanced  mind  to  take  hold  of 
this  thing.  These  men  have  practically  no  head,  no 
chief,  and  are  in  a  constant  ferment  over  what  they  be- 
lieve to  be  a  scheme  of  the  capitalists  to  dci)rivc  them 
of  their  rights,  the  right  to  big  wages  for  little  work. 
Warden  must  be  nominal  head  or  chief:  he  is  one  of 
them  and  is  a  dangerous  man  who  don't  care  so  much 
for  money  as  power,  self  nggrandizement,  wants  to  hold 
oflico  and  boss  the  rest.  They  will  pour  their  wages 
into  his  trtiasury  until  wo  want  it,  the  f<>ols! 

"This  hu(!  and  cry  of  theirs  would  be  simply  ridicu- 
lous were  it  not  the  l)uttle  cry  of  u  dangerous  people; 


J,Ij 


•mm  W' 


%  1 

■f  " 

1 

1  „ 

1 

m 


3:  I 


Ii8 


but  I 


to  hi 


GOLD    DUST 
imor  them  for  a  time,  let  them  have 


propose 

their  own  way  and  some  time  they  shall  pay  me  well 
for  it.  Meantime  to  control,  hold  in  check,  and  govern 
thousands  of  mad  beasts  inflamed  by  strong  drink, 
whose  ignorant  instincts  are  alive  to  the  desire  to  ap- 
propriate the  weath  gained  by  educated  minds,  is  no 
small  task;  but  I  can  do  it.  However,  all  this  is  small 
matter  to   you   and  I,  Donny,  so  long  as  we  succeed. " 

"Yes,  the  little  fishes,  contrary  to  custom  and  habit, 
may  swallow  the  big  fishes.  I'll  hold  the  bait,"  said 
Donovan  who  had  permitted  his  partner  to  talk  on 
uninterrupted,  hoping  thereby  to  hear  something  of  the 
dark  stranger,  Leon  lUardo.  But  as  Waller  seemed 
to  steer  clear  of  that  subject,  Donovan  at  last  went  out 
on  business. 

Almost  before  Donovan's  footsteps  ceased  to  echo 
outside  in  the  corridor,  Waller  was  standing  before  his 
secretary,  and  hastily  unlocking  it,  glowered  down  into 
the  drawers  with  frowning  face  and  flashing  eyes,  mut- 
tering to  himself: 

"It  has  been  opened.  That  letter  was  placed  face 
downward.  Who's  so  curious  about  my  affairs?  Mr. 
Donovan?  He  had  better  be  careful  ;  curiosity  is  dan- 
gerous.    I  didn't  think  that  of  Don." 

However,  upon  examination  he  found  the  letter  had 
not  been  tampered  with,  and  smiling  sarcastically  he 
put  it  in  his  pocket,  saying  : 

"Donny  wants  to  know  Leon  lUardo:  so  do  others. 
I  can't  humor  their  curiosity  yet.  My  mysterious  aid 
must  remain  a  mvstury  for  a  while.  " 


GOLD    DUST 


IK 


CHAPTER  XI 

AI.I.AN  GOES  'I'O  CHICAGO 

Allan  was  possessed  by  the  same  spirit  of  unrest  that 
had  actuated  him  years  ago  to  leave  Toronto.  A  little 
event  in  which  he  was  but  a  cipher  influenced  him  to 
push  on  to  Chicago, 

As  the  train  was  leaving  Toronto  he  had  seen  Lizette 
in  close  consultation  with  the  same  dark,  handsome  for- 
eigner whom  he  had  seen  upon  two  or  three  occasions 
at  the  back  door  of  Woodlawn. 

He  thought  it  very  strange,  for  the  man  was  plainly 
of  the  upper  classes,  while  Lizette  was  a  servant  born 
and  bred.  Lizette's  manner  was  humble  and  submis- 
sive, even  meek  and  altogether  unlike  what  it  had  been 
at  Woodlawn. 

She  had  just  given  him  a  letter  or  flat  package,  Allan 
could  not  quite  make  out  wliicli,  and  disturbed  by  his 
own  thoughts  he  diil  not  then  care  which,  but  still  he 
continued  to  look  on  as  the  man  tore  open  the  letter. 

Allan  had  never  liked  the  appearance  of  tlie  girl,  and 
now  wondered  what  had  induced  the  handsome  foreigner 
to  call  at  another's  back  door,  when  he  was  evidently 
accustomed  to  be  received  at  the  front  entrance. 

He  saw  the  man  fling  himself  upon  the  rear  platform 
of  the  train  just  as  it  was  starting,  thus  conveying  the 
impression  that  they  had  talked  until  thn  last  minute 
of  time,  so  the  case  must  have  been  important.  Then 
amid  the  gathering  gloom  Allan  saw  a  rough-looking 
fellow  slouch  up  to  Lizette's  side,  and  speaking  to  her, 
was  mutely  motioned  toward  the  train  which  he  hur- 
riedly boarded  while  it  was  moving  out. 

He  saw  Lizette  step  back  into  a  corner  and  watch 
closely   until    the   train  was  fairly  started,  then   ttirn 


!  1! 


m^mm  *.«■ 


120 


GOLD    DUST 


away  with  bent  head.     All  this  he  could 


coiikl  see  from  hi 
window  in  the  car.  llis  attention  was  now  fixed  upon 
the  men  who  came  into  his  car  and  sat  down  in  the 
seat  nearest  the  stove.  Though  it  was  somewhat  shaded 
he  could  see  thej'  were  busy  talking  with  their  heads 
bent  low  over  a  paper  that  absorbed  their  attention. 
From  where  he  sat  he  could  see  and  not  be  seen  by 
them,  or  not  plainly  seen. 

There  was  such  a  marked  contrast  between  these 
two  men  as  they  sat  in  their  corner  deeply  absorbed  in 
their  letter,  or  paper,  that  one  must  have  noticed  them 
from  time  to  time  glancing  furtively  about,  though 
looking  more  often  at  the  door. 

Allan  was  not  upon  the  road  to  Detroit  for  any  other 
reason  than  to  get  away  from  Woodlawn.  He  might 
as  well  have  taken  some  other  road.  His  desire  was  to 
get  as  far  away  from  Toronto  as  possible  ;  to  go  had 
been  his  main  object  in  boarding  the  train  for  Detroit; 
what  he  should  do  wlien  he  got  there  he  did  not  know, 
and  cared  less. 

When  they  were  approaching  Detroit,  Allan  remem- 
bered that  he  had  better  see  how  Sultan  his  horse  was 
bearing  the  trip.  He  arose  and  passed  back  to  the 
box  car.  While  there  engaged  in  soothing  Sultan  into 
submission,  the  train  pulled  into  the  station. 

He  hurriedly  returned  and  found,  much  to  his  cha- 
grin, that  the  two  men  had  left  the  car  Hastily  pass- 
ing to  the  next,  which  as  we  have  before  said  was  the 
rear  car,  he  ascertained  that  they  were  not  there. 

Glancing  out  of  the  window  at  tlio  crowd,  which  had 
just  poured  from  the  train,  he  discovered  them  upon 
the  platform  n  little  apart  from  the  crowd,  and  in  close 
conversation  with  a  tall,  dark,  colorless,  well-dressed 
man,  with  dark,  deep-set  eyes  and  a  hawk  nose.  Ho 
Baw  this  man  distinctly,  for  he  had  just   stepped    for  a 


immr^  ».iir.«"Mfc*w 


GOLD    DUST 


I2T 


moment  by  a  lamp-post  to  read  a  letter  that  had  been 
given  him  by  Lizette's  handsome  friend.  Evidently 
the  letter  contained  a  disappointment,  for  the  man 
crumpled  it  impatiently  in  his  hand  and  thrust  it  into 
his  pocket.  The  handsome  foreigner  seemed  protest- 
ing, and  anxious  to  conciliate  him,  while  the  third 
party  stood  by  with  his  hands  in  his  pockets  and  waited 
for  a  few  moments,  then  with  an  ugly  leer  on  his  face 
was  turning  away  when  he  was  recalled  by  the  hook- 
nosed man,  and  something  that  gave  satisfaction  was 
placed  in  his  hand. 

Allan  determined  to  hear  their  voices  if  possible,  so 
pulling  his  hat  down  over  his  eyes  and  his  collar  about 
his  chin,  he  strolled  by  them,  contriving  to  keep  within 
the  shadow  of  a  train  that  stood  near  by  on  the  track. 
He  was  soon  rewarded  by  hearing  the  third  party  say: 

"I'll  be  on  hand  if  it's  a  go.  You  can  count  on  me 
for  that  sum :  not  a  d d  cent  less. " 

"I'll  count  on  you.  I'll  go  on  to  Chicago  to-night. 
Look  out  for  cders." 

"All  right,  I'm  your  man,"  responded  the  tough,  and 
started  away.  Upon  inquiry  Allan  learned  that  the 
next  train  would  start  in  twenty  minutes.  He  had  yet 
to  transfer  his  horse  aud  get  his  gripsack,  so  he  went 
about  it  with  all  possible  haste.  This  he  found  no 
easy  ching,  for  Sultan  resented  being  driven  or  lead 
into  another  car  where  he  must  suffer  the  close  prox- 
imity of  other  less  favored  of  his  species.  So  it  re- 
quired all  his  master's  persuasiveness  and  some  threats, 
beside  consi.ming  the  entire  twenty  minutes  of  time 
to  get  him  up  the  steep  plank  walk  and  into  llie  last 
stnll  of  the  box-car.  Even  then  he  pranced  without 
fear  of  threatened  whi|)pings.  or  regard  for  his  master's 
promise  to  leave  him  behind. 

Allan  was  put  out  of   sorts   by  the    delay  caf.sed    by 


122 


GOLD    DUST 


J 


Sultan's   obstinac}^  for  he  wanted    to    be    sure    of    the 
hook-nosed  man,  and  also  of  the  handsome    foreigner. 


It 


mtes    before    he 


lid   leave   Sultan 


was  some    i 

when  he  sauntered  through  car  after  car  in  his  careless 
search  for  a  good  seat,  he  was  disappointed  in  seeing 
nothing  of  either  of  the  two  men  ;  but  being  on  the  train, 
and  careless  as  to  what  direction  he  really  went,  he 
concluded  to  go  straight  on  to  Chicago. 

As  the  train  sped  on  its  waj',  and  he  now  no  longer 
had  any  particular  object  with  which  to  divert  his  mind, 
his  old  troubles  again  intruded  their  mocking  faces 
upon  him,  and  like  Bancho's  ghost  would  not  down. 

Now  as  he  had  time  for  reflection,  his  mind  quickly 
surveyed  tiie  past  few  months  since  he  had  been  an 
inmate  of  Robert's  house.  He  carefully  laid  each 
successive  day  upon  the  colorless  canvas  of  his  mem- 
ory, and  critically  surveyed  every  hour's  happenings, 
subjecting  each  act  and  look  and  word  to  the  most  crit- 
ical analysis.  He  did  the  same  by  every  grown  mem- 
ber of  Robert's  household,  even  including  Laura's  par- 
ents in  the  process,  not  omitting  Lizctte  and  the  hand- 
some foreigner  and  consetpiently  the  two  other  men  who 
had  talked  with  him  in  the  de])ot  at  Detroit.  He  told 
himself  they  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  case.  But 
still  the  evil  faces  of  those  men  would  obtrude  them- 
selves upon  his  fancy,  and  while  liis  mental  gaze  was 
fixed  upon  the  canvas,  would  mingle  with  the  faces 
of  those  whom  he  liad  left  at  Woodlawn,  making  an 
unpleasant  cong'.inieration  of  dear  and  hateful,  lovely 
and  ugly,  good  and  bad  faces  that  nearly  drove  him 
wild  at  their  unpleasant  juxtaposition.  Do  what  he 
would  he  could  not  separate  thorn.  He  was  not  a  fan- 
ciful man.  He  had  seen  too  much  of  hard,  practical 
fact  to  bo  visionary.  Why  upon  earth  could  that  for- 
eigner, who  was  no  doubt  Lisette's  lover,  or  that  vil- 


— ■«•«'■  .,iip» 


GOLD    DUST 


123 


lainous,  hook-nosed  individual,  much  less  that  low  plug- 
ugly,  why  should,  or  could  they  ever  possibly  meet 
Laura? 

Yet,  though  Allan  scoffed  at  himself,  and  even  swore 
between  his  teeth,  yet  that  canvas,  with  its  strangely 
contrasting  faces  stared  him  in  the  eyes  through  the 
entire  night,  or  what  remained  of  it  and  the  following 
morning  were  still  staring  at  him, when  "Chicago"  yelled 
the  brakesman,  and  a  moment  later  he  stepped  out 
upon  the  platform  only  to  come  face  to  face  with  two 
of  the  haunting  "subjects,"  the  man  with  the  hook  nose 
and  the  handsome  foreigner. 

Allan  for  a  moment  stood  dumbfounded.  But  hast- 
ily recovering  himself,  for  it  was  no  part  of  his  inten- 
tions to  seem  to  be  interested  in  them,  he  crossed  to 
the  other  platform.  Keeping  an  eye  upon  them  as 
they  stood  in  close  conversation,  he  contrived  to  pass 
a  policeman.  The  free  masonry  that  is  conveyed  by 
an  intelligent  look  was  quickly  understood  by  the  officer 
who  followed  Allan  as  he  started  on  after  them.  They 
were  evidently  going  to  leave  the  station;  what  more 
natural? 

Hastily  writing  upon  his  note-book  these  words: 
"Get  name  and  address  of  two  men  ahead,"  Allan 
dropped  it  carelessly  behind  him  to  be  picked  up  and 
instantly  read  by  the  intelligent  officer. 

A  moment  later  he  passed  by  Allan  with  an  answer- 
ing nod  and  was  soon  passing  the  two  men  who  had 
again  halted  in  an  uncertain  way  to  talk.  They  evi- 
dently wanted  some  information.  The  officer  immedi- 
ately called  another  to  their  aid.  He  seemed  to  recog- 
nize the  h()i)k  nosed  man,  and  smilingly  addressed  the 
other  who  stood  by  awaiting  the  result  of  his  friend's 
inqtiirics. 

When  he  had  seen  the  two  disappear  in  the  distance 


I 
I 


I 


.    S    i 


.a»k,  .m<^m  m  ■wm-- 


II 


124  GOLD    DUST 

with  their  guide,  who  was  an  odd-looking  fellow,  the 
policeman  sought  Allan  who  was  waiting  for  him  in  the 
friendly  shadow  of  a  corner. 

"Well,  did  you  learn  their  names?" 

"What  do  you  want  to  know  for?  Of  course,  I  can 
tell  you,  but  what  do  you  want  to  dog  their  footsteps 

for?" 

"What  is  that  to  you?"    asked  Allan,  sharply. 

"Just  this.  What  do  you  want  their  names  for.  Of 
course,  I  can  tell  you  all  I  know  about  them,  but  you 
must  give  your  reasons.  You  are  a  stranger  here,  or 
you'd  know  him,  the  man  with  the  beak  nose,"  answered 
the  officer  firmly. 

"Is  it  money  you  want  first?"  asked  Allan. 

"No,  sir.  I  asked  you  what  you  wanted  to  know  their 
names  for,  that's  fair,"  persisted  the  officer. 

Looking  into  the  honest  eyes  of  Thomas  Denan,  Al- 
lan told  him  what  had  excited  his  suspicion,  and  why 
he  wanted  tne  names  of  those  two  men,  beside  giv- 
ing him  as  good  a  description  of  the  third  party  left  in 
Detroit  as  he  could. 

'The  hook-nosed  man  is  Jason  Waller,  a  millionaire, 
aristocrat,  big  gun  in  a  big  church,  way  up  in  business 
circles  ;  if  you  were  not  a  stranger  here  you  would  have 
known  that  much;  the  other,  he  introduced  as  his  friend 
Leon  Illardo  from  Europe.  That  suit  you?"  asked  the 
officer,  smiling. 

"Yes,  so  far  as  it  goes.  How  long  has  that  Waller 
lived  in  Chicago." 

"O,  I  don't  know  for  certain,  can  find  out;  but  some 
time,  I  think." 

"Well,  I  hope  for  the  good  of  the  city  there  are  not 
many  like  him.  I  don't  believe  in  Jason  Waller  and 
I  don't  like  his  friends,"  said  Allan,  fierc^^ly  a^  ho  saw 
a  droll  look  come    into  the   officer's  eyes.     "I'll   stake 


GOLD  DUST 


125 


my  life  that  he's  a   liar,  rogue,  and  scoundrel    if  he  is 
prominent  in  church  and  business  circles!" 

The  policeman  smiled  broadly  at  Allan's  ferocity,  but 
said  with  an  emphatic  nod  : 

"Well,  if  I  understand  your  style  you're  life's  worth 
too  much  to  stake  on  such  small  fry  as  Jason  Waller. 
I  know  the  man,  and  he  knows  me.  Catch  him  intro- 
ducing his  friends  to  any  common  officer  on  the  police 
force,  but  Tom  Denan!  I  know  him.  He's  afraid  of 
me,  too,  or  of  what  I  know  about  him,  but  he's  just 
where  I  can't  touch  him!" 

The  sight  of  the  officer's  face  that  had  grown  dark 
and  frowning  did  not  tend  to  re-assure  Allan,  who 
asked  with  some  dread  of  the  answer : 

"You  know  this  man?  What  do  you  gather  from 
what  I  have  told  you?  What  do  you  think  he's  up 
to?" 

"I  guess  you'll  hear  from  him  before  long  ;  though  it 
may  be  first  in  connection  with  some  big  scheme  for 
saving  the  heathen,  or  to  release  the  "distressed"  in 
this  country;  perhaps  he'll  be  giving  a  temperance  lec- 
ture or  two,  just  to  keep  his  hand  in  and  his  name  be- 
fore the  public.  You'll  be  seeing  him  on  some  future 
occasion  as  big  as  life  walk  up  the  isle  of  one  of  them 
big  temperance  halls,  by  the  side  of  the  most  prominent 
female  reformers  in  the  country.  Ah,  but  she'll  be 
thinking  she's  highly  honored  by  the  looks  of  Jason 
Waller,  but  if  she'd  catch  the  looks  of  certain  men  and 
women  down  in  the  pits  she'd  blush  red  for  shame, 
and  be  after  being  escorted  by  one  of  them  wharf  rats 
instead!  Ah  I  sure  and  ye'U  hear  from  him  :  he's  up  to 
some  deviltry!  ye  may  be  sure." 

"I  want  you  to  watch  the  man  for  me.  I'll  spend 
every  cent  I  have  to  pay  you  for  your  services,  for  I'm 
afraid  he  will  make  trouble  for  my  friend." 


if   hI 


%    ,f 


m 


r   W 


iS 


1'  1 


126 


GOLD  DUST 


f 


"I  don't  want  yonr  money.  I'm  no  friend  to  that 
man.  I'll  help  you  all  I  can.  when  I'm  off  my  heat. 
D n  him,  he's  a  scoundrel  that  I'd  like  to  see  pun- 
ished." 

Allan  thought  that  this  man  must  have  some  good 
reason  for  hating  Jason  Waller  as  he  looked  into  his 
gleaming  eyes  and  watched  the  play  of  his  strong, 
good,  honest  face. 

"It  was  pure  luck  and  chance  that  I  had  a  day  off?" 
the  officer  informed  Allan  as  they  sat  down  in  the 
depot  to  talk  a  few  minutes.  After  you  get  something 
to  eat,  and  you'd  better  be  gitting  it  now,  then  I'll 
show  you  about  the  city,  we  can  do  a  good  bit  of  sight- 
seeing in  one  day.  Then  this  evening  I  want  you  to 
go  with  me  and  meet  some  of  the  boys.  If  you  want 
work,  they'll  help  you  to  get  your  living,  and  watch 
that  fellow,  too.  You'll  be  wanting  a  nice  job  I'm 
thinking,  but  you'll  not  be  out  of  pocket  to  get  any 
little  work  the  boys  can  put  into  your  way,  till  you 
can  do  better." 

"I'll  answer  for  it,  it'll  be  honest  work,  too.  I'll  be 
changing  this  rig  for  citizen's  clothes  after  a  bit. 
We'll  go  over  to  my  room  when  j  start  out.  I  can 
go  about  with  more  freedom." 

After  a  hearty  breakfast  in  the  depot  restaurant  they 
sallied  forth    upon  their  tour  of  sight  seeing. 

By  palaces  of  stone,  brick,  and  marble,  upon  broad 
avenues,  streets  alive  with  business,  and  streets  made 
notorious  as  the  abiding-pbce  of  infamy,  where  honor 
and  virtue  were  bought  and  sold,  where  from  the  insa- 
tiable saloon  poured  forth  a  stream  of  reeking,  stagger- 
ing, whisky-befuddled  human  beings;  through  back 
alleys,  diving  down  into  dark,  damp  basements,  and 
exploring  tenements,  on  they  tramped  with  a  quick 
business-like    step,    none    knowing    why,    or    whither, 


|; 


GOLD  DUST 


12^ 


pausing  occasionally  before  some  particular  open  door 
to  snatch  a  hasty  glance  into  its  vileness  and  jot  down 
its  number  and  street. 

"I  can't  take  you  home  with  me,"  said  the  officer  as 
at  last  when  the  shadv)ws  were  falling  they  brought  up 
down  on  the  lake  shore.  "I  wish  I  could,  but  I've  got 
no  home  since  my  wife  died,  I've  boarded.  But  I  can 
get  you  in  where  I  am  if  you  like,  unless  you'd  rather 
go  by  yourself. " 

"What  do  you  think?  Can  we  work  as  well  together 
if  we  board  in  the  same  house?"  asked  Allan. 

"No,  we  can't.  You'll  be  spotted  on  my  account  in 
less  than  an  hour.  You  had  better  go  to  some  place 
near  by  me.  Do  you  expect  any  one  to  join  you?"  the 
question  came  suddenly. 

"No,  I'm  alone  and  always  expect  to  be,"  answered 
Allan,  grimly 

"Just  as  well  for  you  at  present,"  responded  Dcnan 
emphatically.  "I  tell  you,  Morton,  it's  mighty  hard,  so 
it  is,  to  rush  away  from  tearful  eyes  and  clinging  hands, 
knowing  that  the  chances  are  ten  to  one  you'll  never 
be  seeing  them  again,  and  a  chance,  too,  of  being 
brought  home  on  a  shutter.  I  wish  there  was  a  law 
against  married  men  joining  the  police  force.  I've 
been  there,  I  know  what  it  is." 

Allan  did  not  answer.  Denan  saw  that  Allan  was 
disturbed,  and  with  his  characteristic  frankness  said  : 
"You'll  have  to  tell  me  enough  of  yourself,  your  past 
life,  to  prevent  my  making  blunders.  I  don't  want  to 
do  so,  but  you  know,  Morton,  no  two  lives  are  just 
alike,  and  I  had  a  good  wife  once,  and  I  miss  the  little 
woman,  yer  right  I  do!" 

The  two  nam  stood  alone  upon  the  shores  of  Lake 
Micliigan,  alone  with  memory,  one  saddened  by  the 
thought  of  the  blue-eyed  wife  he  had  buried  three  years 


1! 


'i 


:  **§«**(!(*»!«»<'■• 


128 


GOLD  DUST 


before  ;  the  other  embittered  by  the  loss  of  the  woman 
who  was  to  have  been  his  wife. 

After  Allan  returned  to  his  room  that  night  at  eleven 
o'clock,  he  asked  himself,  as  he  sat  reviewing  the  full 
day's  sight  seeing  and  the  evening's  interesting  happen- 
ings : 

"How  can  such  things  be  allowed  in  this  country? 
It's  bad  enough  for  London  or  Paris,  but  here!" 


CHAPTER  XII 


A    NEW    HOME 


When  Laura  fully  realized  the  question  of  moving 
away,  in  all  its  bearings,  she  felt  a  positive  relief.  To 
leave  the  scenes  of  her  trials,  even  though  they  had 
been  the  seats  of  joys  and  conquests,  was  to  her  the 
only  positive  surety  against  the  constant  recurrence  of 
similar  trials. 

It  was  a  part  of  Robert's  plan  to  live  in  style  in 
Chicago,  so  Laura  entered  into  the  business  of  selling 
off  the  furniture,  and  packing  up  with  extraordinary  en- 
thusiasm. In  feverish  haste  she  hurried  on  the  work, 
giving  herself  no  time  to  think.  In  vain  her  mother 
and  Nettie  told  her  she  was  wearing  herself  out,  yet 
she  would  see  to  everything,  even  to  the  sending  away 
of  those  things  which  had  been  sold.  Of  Robert's 
plans  she  approved,  even  to  the  selling  of  her  piano; 
she  wanted  a  new  and  better  one.  When  the  matter  of 
discharging  help  was  brought  up,  Laura  decided  to 
take  Lizette  :  she  hated  to  change  and  get  entirely  new 
servants,  and  Lizette  had  grown  so  capable,  and  wanted 
ver}-  much  to  go  with  her  mistress.  She  had  not  ac- 
complished this  without  being  obliged  to  confront  the 
opposition  of  her  father  who  as  a  last  resort  told  her  of 


GOLD  DUST  129 

the  foreigner.  He  had  not  meant  to  do  so,  but  upon 
the  very  evening  of  their  departure  the  old  man  had 
seen  the  dark  stranger  in  close  conversation  with  Li- 
zette  at  the  back  door. 

Mr.  Bassett  felt  it  to  be  her  duty  to  break  it  up,  but 
Laura  thought  the  man  might  be  a  lover,  and  compress- 
ing her  lipsa  trifle  thinner  she  told  her  father  sharply: 
"Let  her  have  him.  Let  her  enjoy  her  love  while 
she  may,  without  fear  or  favor;  she  will  soon  lose  him.  " 
In  vain  the  old  man  attempted  to  convince  Laura 
that  Lizette  ought  to  go  ;  Laura  was  firm,  she  knew  no 
reason  for  discharging  Lizette  and  would  not  be  guilty 
of  meddling  with  her  love  affairs. 

It  was  about  the  middle  of  November  when  we  find 
the  Mortons  again  established  in  a  home  of  their  own. 
It  had  been  a  laborious  task,  selling  out,  packing  up, 
moving  and  getting  settled  again,  and  it  took  several 
weeks  to  make  the  change. 

We  find  them  living  on  one  of  the  best  streets  which 
is  flanked  on  either  side  by  a  line  of  fine  residences. 
Handsome  equipages  convey  hither  and  thither  richly 
dressed  people  ;  there  are  grave  and  gay,  good  and  bad, 
but  all  are  rich,  or  have  the  appearance  of  wealth,  which 
is  just  as  well  for  our  story. 

The  Mortons  had  taken  a  large,  showy  house,  one  of 
the  best  in  the  street,  furnishing  it  elegantly,  and  now 
Robert  fancied  himself  his  neiglibor's  equal.  He  had 
brought  Laura's  parents  with  them,  and  in  one  of  jiis 
generous  moods,  when  the  sight  of  the  big  house,  and 
the  showy  equipage  that  stood  out  at  the  door  half  of 
the  time,  made  him  feel  like  a  rich  man,  he  rented  them 
a  flat  a  mile  distant,  but  easily  accessible  by  street 
car,  and  set  them  up  in  housekeeping.  He  had  hoped 
tliat  Allan  would  return  and  marry  Nettie,  bui  his 
hopes  were  vain. 


% 


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i: 


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\(^       ^  ra* 


130 


GOLD    DUST 


He  thought  to  make  partial  amends  by  assuring  her 
a  home  in  his  house.  So  she  was  retained  as  house- 
keeper in  the  elegant  house   on Street,  while    the 

erstwhile  kitchen  girl  and  maid-of-all-work  was  pro- 
moted to  the  position  of  lady's  maid  to  her  incautious 
mistress,  a  change  that  was  highly  satisfactory  to  her. 

During  the  busy  days  of  packing  and  getting  settled 
again,  Laura  had  had  no  time  to  think,  or  would  take 
none.  What  she  would  do  when  the  last  ]ncture  was 
hung,  the  last  closet  put  to  rights,  the  beautiful  new 
silver  and  china  sufficiently  admired  to  suit  Nettie,  and 
the  costly  furnishings  sufficiently  admired  to  satisfy 
Robert,  was  a  thought  that  made  her  knit  her  brow. 

She  was  not  so  much  elated  over  the  change  as  the 
family  thought.  Just  l)efore  they  left  Toronto,  Laura 
was  satisfied  that  she  had  succeeded  in  leaving  this  im- 
pression in  their  minds  that  she  was  pleased  with  the 

cliauge. 

Everything  was  too  new  to  please,  and  too  strange  to 
charm.  Furniture,  house,  silver,  pictures,  all  were  good 
and  costly,  but  they  did  not  respond  to  her  admiration. 
The  piano  was  a  better  and  costlier  one  than  the  one 
she  had  at  Woodlawn,  but  its  nmsic  was  not  half  so 
sweet.  She  missed,  already,  the  friendly  look  of  ac- 
quaintanc(!ship  that  had  greeted  her  upon  every  side 
from  childhood  in  the  old  home  in  Toronto.  This  old 
acMiuaintanceship  she  had  taken  with  her  into  her  hus- 
b.uul's  home.  The  liousekecper,  governess,  servants, 
all  were  so  perfect  that  they  were  monotonous. 

One  evening  Robert  came  home  with  an  unusually 
alert,  active  ring  in  his  voice,  and  a  new  light  in  his 
eyes  that  reilecled  two  parts  pride  and  one  part  love. 

He  had  been  slniuliug  upon  the  side-walk  with  two 
men,  before  a  certain  office  out  of  which  they  had  just 


GOLD    DUST 


III 


stepped,  when  a  carriage  rolled  slowly  by  which  con- 
tained an  elegantly  dressed  lady. 

Robert  knew  the  lady,  though,  as  she  did  not  look 
toward  him,  he  did  not  seem  to  recognize  her.  ]Jut 
the  others,  pausing  in  their  absorbing  conversation,  liad 
gazed  until  the  carriage  rolled  out  of  sight;  then  one 
of  them,  a  showy,  big,  red-faced  fellow  exclaimed  : 

"Who  can  that  be?  She  looks  like  a  picture  of  the 
Madonna." 

"She's  the  fairest  woman  on  earth.  I've  seen  her 
twice  before.  She's  a  stranger,  I  think,"  answered  the 
other,  never  taking  his  eyes  off  the  carriage  until  it 
turned  a  corner. 

They  had  asked  each  other,  and  being  unanswered 
had  turned  to  Robert  Morton  with  their  faces  full  of 
admiring  curiosity,  not  knowing  that  a  stranger  could 
enlighten  them.     In  proud  triumph,  Morton  answered  : 

"That  lady  is  my  wife." 

"The  deuce!"  exclaimed  the  big  man,  with  a  low 
whistle. 

"Yes,  sir:    that   lady  is    Mrs.  Morton,  my  wife!"  re 
iterated  Robert  with  a  shifting    from    one    foot    to    the 
other,  and  a  swelling  out  of  his    big  chest    that    made 
liim  look  not  unlike  a  big  turkey  cock. 

"Then  I  congratulate  you;  your  wife  is  very  lovely," 
said  the  VaWvx  of  the  two,  grasping  Morton's  hand 
firmly  in  his  long,  dark  fingers  with  an  ardor  tli.u 
warmed  the  Canadian's  heart,  and  he  sai<l  the  mxi 
moment: 

"Come  home  with  nie,  and  I  11  introduce  you  t(j  Mrs. 
Morion:  she'll  be  glad  to  meet  my  friends  ;  Imlwavs 
is."  ' 

"Thank  you  very  much,  but  I'll  call  in  the  evening 
and  take  you  and  your  wifo  to— what  shall  it  be.  mtisic 
or  tho  drunm?" 


I  'i\ 


i  I 


132 


GOLD    DUST 


"Music  by  all  means,"  answered  Morton,  quickly, 
feeling  that  now  he  should  gain  his  point  with  this 
man. 

"Then  we  will  hear  Patti.  I'll  call  at  7:30.  Thanks 
for  your  kind  invitation  to  call.  And  about  that  little 
business,  we'll  sec  you  to-morrow,"  and  with  a  cordial 
hand-shake,  they  separated. 

So  it  was  that  Kobrrt.had    come   home   with  a  new 
light    in    his  eyes,  and  a  new  activity  in   his    manner. 
He  had  been  proud  to  hear  his  wife  called  the  "fairest 
woman  on  earth"  and  "like  the  picture  of  a  Madonna"- 
by  such  men  as  these  two  kings,  Donovan  and  Waller. 

Wallie!  the  most  fastidious,  unapproachable  and 
most  difficult  to  please  of  all  western  Gotham's  leaders, 
and  the  very  one  to  introduce  them  into  the  circle  that 
he  meant  to  cultivate.  Just  the  thing!  and  so  he 
beamed  all  the  way  homo. 

Laura  was  somewhat  surprised  to  be  told  that  she  was 
to  receive  and  accompany  one  of  Chicago's  society 
lead'TS  that  evening.  She  did  not  brighten,  or  seem 
particularly  pleased  with  the  announcement,  or  the  flat- 
tering remarks  which  followed,  as  kissing  her  with 
unwonted  fondness,  he  .'•aid  by  way  of  emphasis  : 

"'M  says  you're  the  'fairest  woman  on  earth.'  The 
otiier  compared  you  to  the  picture  of  the  Ma.lonna, 
whocvtrr  she  may  be,  and  hall  tiiat  sort  of  thing.  Eh, 
Laura!" 

"I  don't  feel  in  the  least  flattered  by  that,"  said  she 
with  cool  indifference,  "thottgh,"  she  resumed,  trying 
to  make  an)ends  to  Robert  who  had  seemed  so  elated 
and  gratified,  of  course,  I  shall  like  to  see  yotir  friends, 
and  shall  enjoy  the  opera.  Yes,  we  will  hear  I'atti  if 
you  tliink  best." 

"Of  course,  we'll  go  to  'ear  Patty!  tli.il's  ball  right! 
Fatty'n  hail  tlss  rage  now.     You  iJ5U3t  look   your  best 


li 


i 


% 


GOLD    DUST 


133 


I  want  to  show  them  a  deuced  sight  'andsomer  woman 
than  they  hever  saw  before,"  and  the  great  overgrown 
giant  drew  her  toward  him  with  such  a  fond  h)ok  in  his 
eyes,  that  Laura  clinched  her  slender  hands  which  had 
been  clasped  behind  her,  exclaiming  to  her  better  self, 
"I  will  love  him,  yes,  I  will." 

Then  a  little  shiver  passed  over  her  as  he  pressed 
his  heavy  mouth  on  her  passive  lips  in  a  loud  smack, 
kissing  brow,  cheeks,  and  hands  in  the  same  boisterous, 
ardent  manner. 

Laura  was  somewhat  surprised  when,  as  she  came 
down  into  the  parlor  dressed  in  a  light  evening  silk  to 
receive  their  guest,  a  tall,  middle-aged,  dark,  eagle- 
eyed,  hook-nosed  man,  dressed  in  a  faultless  evening 
suit  of  black,  addressed  her  in  the  most  polished  lan- 
guage, in  soft,  persuasive  tones,  and  with  an  exceed- 
ingly elaborate  bow.  She  was  silent  from  sheer  sur- 
prise. She  had  expected  to  meet  some  free-ana-easy 
individual,  like  Robert  himself,  who  would  grasp  her 
hand  like  a  vice,  and  talk  horse,  or  business  in  the 
next  breath  after  flatly  complimenting  her  on  her  good 
looks.  But  quickly  recovering  herself,  she  responded 
politely  enough,  though  in  a  voice  so  frigid  that  Rob- 
ert chafed  in  disappdintmeut. 

But  ho  was  re-assur(.>(l  a  few  mirmtos  later  to  see  a 
smile  so  bright  and  charming  play  about  her  moutli, 
that  he  gazed  upon  her  in  proud  forgiveness  of  her 
recent  offense,  thinking  to  himself: 

"Of  course,  the  man's  no  beauty  ;  but  'e's  rich,  a 
leader,  one  hof  the  big  bug,«?.     Just  tlie  one!" 

When  the  Mortons  entered  the  Chicago  Opera  House 
every  eye  followed  the  trio,  and  many  an  opera  glass 
wa'A  leveled  at  them  as  they  entered  the  box  with  Jason 
Waller. 

Robert  was  proud  of  hiti   buautiCui  wife   and   smiled 


*»»m  #* 


ilg^0^p^r 


134 


GOZn    DUST 


and  bowed  in  proud  and  delighted  self-congratulation. 

Laura's  attention  was  so  absorbed  in  the  singer  that 
she  failed  to  notice  the  entrance  of  a  fourth  party, 
until  she  heard  her  name  spoken  by  Robert.  To  be 
sure,  the  curtain  had  dropped, but  she  was  thinking,  and 
her  brain  and  soul  were  full  of  the  sweet  sounds  of  that 
rare  voice  which  was  driving  all  the  world  mad.  Now 
she  started,  to  hear : 

"This  is  a  surprise,  surely,  I  didn't  expect  to  meet 
my  cousin  in  Chicago,"  and  she  was  looking  up  into 
Allan's  face  in  bewilderment  as  ho  took  the  hand  she 
held  out  to  him.  She  had  no  time  to  mask,  and  so  the 
glad  flush  of  joyous  recognition  flamed  up  into  her  face. 

Allan  was  presented  to  Jason  Waller,  between  whom 
and  himself  a  mutual  hatred  took  root,  the  more  so, 
when  Robert  immediat'jly  added  in  proud  self-compla- 
cency : 

"Mr.  Waller  was  good  henough  to  invite  us  to  come 
with  'im  into  his  box.  First  time  we've  been  out  of  an 
evening,  either  to  a  theatre  hor  concert,  lior  anything, in 
fact,  been  so  busy  getting  settled.  But  we  must  'car 
the  great  Patty,  an'  it's  a  deuced  sight  better  hup  'ere 
than  sitting  in  the  gallery,  or  down  in  the  body  with 
all  them  truck." 

Allan  p'tied  the  proud  woman  at  his  cousin's  side. 

"If  one  can  appreciate  good  music  and  is  fortunate 
enougli  to  hear  Patti,  one  need  not  so  nmcli  mind  the 
small  difference  between  a  box  and  the  gallerv.  I  see 
several  of  Chicago's  biggest  men  in  the  parquet.  To 
hear,  is  enough.  Pm  sure  Mrb.  Morton  could  appre- 
ciate Patti  even  in  tlic  gallery,"  and  he  bent  his  smiling 
eyes  upon  her  protully,  as  if  only  repeating  some  old 
story  that  she  could  not  fail  to  understand.  She  looked 
up  with  ever  so  slight  a  smile,  'laying  sweetly  : 

"Pve  scarcely  heard  any  one  else,"  but  she  had  been 


GOLD    DUST 


135 


sayinpf  to  hcrself,rcpcating  it  as  a  sort  of  prayer,  "I  will 
love  Robert,  1  will  be  true!"  and  this  answer  to  Allan 
was  the  outf^rowth  of  her  thoughts. 

Allan  remained  only  a  few  moments,  and  took  his 
leave  after  promising  Robert  to  call  soon.  Laura  did 
not  seem  to  notice  his  half-waiting  half-assenting  an- 
swer, for  she  continued  to  look  upon  the  brilliant 
throng  below. 

Every  seat  was  full  at  the  opera  that  evening,  and 
many  an  eye  was  turned  to  the  box  in  which  they  recog- 
nii'-ed  the  dark  face  of  Jason  Waller,  and  knew  tiiat 
the  peerless  woman  by  his  side  had  kept  him  from  dis- 
tributing his  valuable  attentions  more  impartially. 

As  Laura  stood  before  the  glass  that  night,  taking 
down  the  long  coils  of  hair,  and  laying  away  tlu;  jewels 
that  had  sparkled  upon  her  neck  and  arms,  Robert  who 
was  delighted  with  the  admiration  bestowed  upon  his 
wife  that  evening,  more  especially  by  Waller,  came 
and  stood  behind  her,  peeping  at  the  fair  image  in  the 
glass. 

"You  were  the  beauty  to- night, Laura!"  said  he,  fondly 
kissing  her  white  shoulder  that  gleamed  above  her  silk 
dress. 

She  did  not  turn  away  from  his  caressing  lips,  and 
sliudder  this  time,  but  delighted  his  heart  by  laying 
her  head  back  upon  his  broad  shoulder,  saying  in  a 
weary,  pathetic  voice  : 

"Take  care  of  me,  Robert.  I'm  so  tired  of  it  all!" 
He  thought  the  evening's  rush  and  whirl  had  been  too 
much  for  her,  and  so  said,  fondly  holding  her  closer  to 
his  breast : 

"It's  late,  you  need  rest;  l)ut  you  *ad  a  good  time, 
didn't  you?" 

"Yes,  tlie  niuiic  was  ffood,  but,  Rohort,  don't  bring 
any  one  here  again.     I  don't  want  any  one  but  you,  Kob- 


:l 


U:  ri 


136 


GOLD    DUST 


ert,  only  yon  :    not  that    man,  nor  Allan,  nor   any  one 
but  you,  Robert." 
"O.  n 


!"h 


:laimed,  half  roughly,  but  k 


,  onsensc  !  iio  exclaimed,  tialt  roughly,  hut  Kiss- 
ing her  again,"  the  music's  hupset  your  nerves.  Wal- 
ler's hall  right.  No  great  beauty,  but  'e's  a  big  gun  in 
'is  church,  one  of  the  biggest  men  in  Chicago,  level- 
headed, too.  Got  lots  of  tin.  I  wish  I  ha^'  his  pile! 
He'll  call  soon,  don't  snub  him,  Laura.  I  want  'is  'elp. 
An'  Al,  too,  'e's  my  own  cousin  what  would  folks  say? 
Of  course,  'e  must  come.  Just  treat  him  like  all  the 
rest;  'e's  all  right  'nough.  Treat  'em  all  'like,  Laura; 
safest  way,"  and  the  big  man  considered  it  all  settled 
and  unanswerable. 

■'Very  well,  if  you  desire  it,"  answered  Laura,  forcing 
herself  to  speak.  But  she  turned  her  face  away  and 
would  not  look  into  the  mirror  that  reflected  the  satis- 
fied breadth  of  his  face  beside  her  own  pale  visage  with 
that  look  of  disappointment  in  the  tired  eyes. 

Robert  should  be  gratified.  She  would  not  refuse 
to  see  his  friends.  She  would  go  and  come  at  his  beck 
and  call.  His  friends  should  be  her  friends.  But  she 
felt  that  her  chains  were  drawing  her  in  among  the 
dangers,  and  the  dangers  would  drag  her  down  among 
the  deeps  in  spite  of  her  desire  to  uplift  herself  and 
be  true  ;  in  spite  of  her  flight  from  Toronto  and  the 
rest  and  safety  it  promised.  Now,  here  by  her  side, 
forced  upon  her  attention  was  that  evil  man  of  the 
world,  Jason  Waller;  on  the  other  hand,  Allan. 

"You  don't  look  'alf  so  bright  as  you  did  at  the  con- 
cert, guess  concerts  don't  agree  with  you  haftcr  hall." 

"It's  near  twelve,  Robert.  I  nnist  see  the  children 
before  I  retire,"  answered  she  wearily,  as  she  turned  to 
leave  the  room,  but  pausing  on  the  threshold,  asked 
without  Innkine  at  h.in!: 

"When  will  Mr.  Waller  call?" 


■«*'«#' ,» 


GOLD  DUST 


137 


"O,  maybe  to-morrow.     Right  away,  I  guess." 

"I'll  meet  your  friends  as  you  wish,"  said  she,  in  a 
submissive  voice. 

"Of  course,  that's  hall  right,"  her  husband  answered, 
as  with  a  satisfied  grunt  he  plunged  into  bed  and  was 
snoring  in  less  than  three  minutes. 

After  she  had  visited  her  children,  she  returned  to  her 
room,  but  was  too  restless  to  retire.  Robert  was  sleep- 
ing too  heavily  to  wake  easily, so  wrapping  a  soft  woollen 
shawl  about  her,  she  opened  a  window  and  stepped 
out  upon  a  small  balcony  that  overlooked  the  street 
below. 

It  was  a  cold,  clear,  November  night,  but  she  had 
wanted  to  get  out  where  she  could  breathe,  regardless 
of  cold,  or  late  hours. 

The  great  city  lay  asleep,  the  spires  glittered  in  the 
moonlight  sbout  her.  Beneath  lay  the  street  amid 
shadows.  Directly  under  her  feet  lay  the  miniature 
front-yard  that  her  father  had  measured  with  contempt 
that  very  day.  Was  that  the  wind  whispering  among 
bricks  and  mortar? 

Her  jyes  pierced  the  gloom  beneath  and  clearly  saw 
the  figures  of  a  man  and  woman  standing  under  the 
parlor  window. 

"What  are  you  doing  there  at  this  hour?"  she  demand- 
ed, sharply.  At  the  sound  of  her  voice  the  woman  dis- 
appeared around  the  corner  of  the  house  ;  and  the  man 
stepped  over  the  low  iron  fence  and  started  leisurely 
off  across  the  street. 

The  following  morning,  upon  being  questioned,  Li- 
zctte  denied  all  knowledge  of  the  affair,  and  nothing 
could  bu  learned  of  the  midnight  visitors. 


\     ;    i 


I       ! 
'Ill 


m-»'* 


138 


GOLD  DUST 


CHAPTER  XII I 

REVELRY     AND    SORROW 

A  few  days  after,  there  was  quite  a  conclave  held  in 

the  big   parlors  of   the House,  over  which    Jason 

Waller  presided  with  his  usual  suavity. 

He  had  given  a  dinner  in  honor  of  his  friend  Robert 
Morton.  Waller  knew  how  to  oil  the  machine  whose 
revolving  wheels  should  bring  him  success.  He  knew 
just  to  a  turn  of  its  great  machinery  how  far  to  go, 
and  when  to  silence  its  thud  and  throb.  There  were 
other  "alive"  faces  among  the  guests,  but  his  was  most 
alive,  most  vigilant,  most  intent.  It  was  his  secret 
that  he  could  assume  an  interest  instantly.  It  was 
his  adaptiveness  that  made  him  popular  as  a  leader. 
No  matter  what  the  man's  own  private  misgivings 
about  a  project,  he  could  instantly  become  apparently 
so  earnest  from  conviction,  that  his  manner  would  in- 
fuse life  and  create  trust  where  before  there  had  existed 
bnt  the  gravest  doubts  and  misgivings. 

It  is  a  fact,  no  matter  liow  galling  to  our  wounded 
pride  afterward,  when  we  have  been  forced  to  retire 
into  familiar  obscurity,  that  we  are  an  easily  flattered 
mob,  too  readily  dosed  into  a  state  of  gullibility.  Such 
prominent  men  as  Waller  knew  it :  there  are  many  Wal- 
lers, and  there  is  always  a  vast  gaping  crowd  of  the 
common  herd  to  snap  at  the  bait  they  so  skillfully  throw. 
Morton  had  been  honored  by  a  seat  at  Waller's  right 
hand,  so  he  was,  figuratively  speaking,  seated  at  the 
right  hand  of  every  man  at  the  table. 

Every  eye  took  in  the  Canadian's  splendid  physique, 
and  handsome  face.  Every  man  laughed  at  his  too  fre- 
(luent  attempts  at  wit,  and  winked  ai  iiis  boisterous 
assertiveness. 


r 


.m:  mw.^ 


GOLD  DUST 


139 


Every  man  believed  that  Robert  Morton  was  as  ricli 
as  Crcesus,  judging  from  his  position  at  table. 

It  was  a  small,  but  very  exclusive  banquet,  at  which 
was  served  a  very  elaborate  menu  that  required  frequent 
compliments  from  Waller's  distinguished  guests  to  do 
it  justice.  The  men  really  liked  the  good-natured 
Canadian  and  were  ready  to  laugh  at  his  pointless  wit, 
or  endorse  his  earnest  assurance  that  "money  will  tell" 
when  he  was  called  upon  for  a  speech. 

The  wine  had  affected  his  head  a  trifle,  and  when 
Jason  Waller  proposed  the  health  of  "the  fairest  woman 
on  earth,  Mrs.  Morton,"  it  was  too  much  for  him,  he 
was  completely  overcome  by  his  feelings,  and  then  and 
there,  swore  undying  loyalty  to  his  generous  host. 

Of  course,  the  big  member  of  the  firm  of  Waller  and 
Donovan  was  present,  and  was  satisfied  to  take  a  seat 
at  the  foot  of  the  table,  from  which  he  could  command 
a  good  view  of  their  guest,  but  at  an  early  hour  he  had 
collapsed  into  a  state  of  gurgling,  gasping  quiescence, 
having  seen  so  much  in  Morton's  wit  and  effervescenses 
to  laugh  at,  that  he  was  laughed  out,  so  to  say. 

The  banquet  was  but  a  side  issue,  a  means,  to  help 
lubricate  the  wheels  of  the  famous  Waller  machine. 

The  fine  menu  and  costly  wines  were  powerful  agents 
to  influence  men  of  Morton's  stamp:  they  cost  an  enor- 
mous sum,  and  they  were  to  bring  in  good  dividends, 
too,  for  he  was  Waller's  devoted  ally. 

Robert  thought  it  was  because  tliey  were  good-luMrted 
fellows  and  bright  enough  to  discover  his  value.  But 
among  the  rest  there  was  a  secret  understanding  that 
the  banquet  itself  was  not  the  only  issues  of  the  even- 
ing, not  the  most  important. 

It  vvas  their  intent  to  test  the  man  whom  they  wished 
to  employ,  lie  was  a  comparative  stranger.  Waller 
desired  to  know  what  he  would  do  under   certain    con- 


9 


I 


■M»-m:  mm.f* 


k^ 


,l 

i   1 1' 

1  u. 

^  I.". 

IH' 

|.    ■ 

ll 

1  ''^  ■■ 

ill 

140 


GOLD  DUST 


ditions,  atul  \vli;it  cffrct  it  wdiild  have  upon  liiiii  before 
they  intrusted  liini  so  far  as  to  lt;t  liini  into  tluit  nuij^'ic 
circle.  The  fact  that  he  had  lost  his  head  through 
wine  was  not  against  him  so  much;  they  wanted  to 
know  what  he  would  do,  if  he  was  loose-tongued  or 
close,  shrewd,  imder  the  inlluence,  and  so,  skillfully 
they  applied  the  test,  which,  with  a  keenness  as  sur- 
prising as  it  was  satisfying  to  Waller,  Morton  sustained. 

This  little  exhibition  seemrd  to  amuse  the  oldest 
member  of  the  company,  Mr.  Mark  Van  Tassel.  He 
said  very  little,  but  kept  his  keen  little  eyes  wide  awake, 
though  his  amusement  found  vent  in  grins  of  delight, 
rather  than  boisterous  laughter.  When  Robert  informed 
them  wisely  that  he  always  knew  a  dollar  when  he  saw 
it,  Mr.  Van  Tassel  said  that  he,  Robert,  was  a  keen  one. 

It  was  generally  understood  that  in  some  way  Morton 
belonged  to  his  host:  in  some  way,  for  some  reason  out- 
side of  the  mutual  interests  of  the  circle,  so  he  was 
made  much  of  in  deference  to  Waller,  and  very  gener- 
ously invited  to  be  one  of  them.  If  Jason  Waller  took 
up  a  man  the}'  could  afford  to  indorse  him. 

Before  the  banquet  broke  up  there  was  another  little 
strategic  move  made  by  Donovan,  in  which  he  discov- 
ered that  already  Waller  and  Morton  were  on  very  good 
terms,  and  had  been  together  with  Mrs.  Morton  at  the 
opera.  Donovan  cared  so  litle  for  music  tliat  to  hear 
Patti  was  no  inducement,  and  lie  did  not  envy  them 
their  joy;  but  W^illie  was  getting  mysterious  of  late, 
and  so  he  thought  to  steal  a  march  on  him  by  leading 
Morton  on  to  get  the  whole  story  from  him  when  they 
were  standing  before  a  picture  on  the  far  side  of  the 
room.  So  skillfully  did  he  manage  it  that  Morton 
invited  him  to  call,  too,  and  received  his  promise  to  do 
so  at  an  early  date. 

That  night   Robert    returned    home  in  a  slate    of  de- 


n<tM'  •#■#■ 


GOLD    DUST 


141 


moralization.      Laura  shrank  from  his  kiss.      His  man 
ner  and  hinj^uage  plainly  indicated  that    he  had  drunk 
too  freely  of  Jason  Waller's  wine.     Stung  to  the  quick 
at  sight  of  his  red  face  and  watery  eyes,  and  not  caring 
to  answer  his  rough,  coarse  language,   she  went  to  an- 
other room;  this  act  defined  more  clearly  her  feelings 
toward    him  in    his    present  condition    than    the    most 
vindictive    language.      She  said    nothing  the  following 
morning  when  they  met  at  the  breakfast-table,  but  the 
distant  look  in  her  eyes  forbade  any  tenderness  on  his 
part.      In  shame-faced  silence  he  drank  a  cup  of  coffee, 
after  which  he  went  down  town  as  usual.      He  did  not 
return  to  lunch,  but  ate  at  a  restaurant    instead.      Re- 
turni-g  at  six  o'clock  he  met  his  family  at  dinner.      He 
was  humble  and    sorry  for  what  he  had  done,  and  he 
saw  plainly  by  the   haughty  lift  of   Laura's  head    that 
she  was  drawing    herself   away  from    him  again    as    in 
the  past  years. 

She  had  been  so  sweet  and  lovely  for  weeks,  even 
months,  that  he  grew  suddenly  very  desperate  as  he 
thought  of  a  possible  reciurence  to  their  former  way 
of  living.  He  had  not  then  noticed  it  so  mucli,  he  had 
been  so  busy  in  his  own  way  ;  but  now,  he  would  miss 
it  sadly.  Hang  Jason  Waller's  wine!  he'd  let  it  alone 
in  the  future! 

He  humbled  himself  to  tell  Laura  so  and  promised, 
though  she  did  not  require  it,  that  he  would  never 
taste  another  drop.  Laura  hoped  that  his  promise 
would  be  kept,  for  she  had  a  horror  of  Jason  Waller, 
and  his  wine  was  especially  evil  in  its  effects.  She 
hoped  he  would  remember  his  promise  for  the  sake  of 
their  children. 

With  this  last  thouglit  n  new  rcsolvG  filled  lier  lienrt  • 
she  would  be  a  better  mother  and  not  let  lier  duty  to 
Robert  so  engross  her  mind  and  life.     Those  two  little 


If     I 


■*f.«f  ■mm' 


\ 


142 


GOLD  DUST 


itil  llii 


girls  did  not  come  to  her  with  red  faces,  watery  eyes, 
and  breath  reeking  with  the  fumes  of  tobacco  and  wine; 


thei 


It  gh 


like  the  flower  in   the   field 


mocent  glance  was 
their  very  presence  was  a  benediction.  She  would  care- 
fully watch  and  guard  them  in  the  future  ;  but  as  a  duty 
she  would  try  and  be  a  good  wife  to  Robert,  though 
she  could  not  like  his  new  friend.  So  that  evening 
she  was  zealous  in  her  efforts  to  make  up  to  him  for 
her  coolness  of  the  morning  ;  and  when  again  peace 
had  been  restored  between  them,  she,  believing  it  best 
and  wishing  to  devote  her  time  to  her  home  and  family, 
said  : 

"Robert,  I  wish  we  might  not  go  to  that  ball.  Must 
we  go?" 

"It  will  seem  mighty  rude  not  to  go,  though  you 
needn't  if  you  don't  want  to,"  he  answered  half  sullenly, 
"you're  ready  hain't  you?" 

He  felt  that  she  was  taking  advantage  of  his  recent 
humiliation  and  it  provoked  him. 

"I'm  ready  so  far  as  my  dress  is  concerned;  but — 
very  well  I'll  go,  it  won't  matter  much,  perhaps."  She 
saw  that  it  was  impossible  to  avoid  meeting  Waller 
for  whom  she  had  a  positive  horror  and  loathing.  But 
she  must  go  to  the  ball. 

Robert  had  given  her  carte-blanche  to  array  herself 
as  became  his  wife,  and  she  promised  to  do  so.  He 
spared  no  expense  in  the  matter  of  broadcloth  and 
patent  leather,  for  he  was  to  open  the  ball  with  Mrs. 
Van  Tassel.  It  was  to  be  the  greatest  event  in  his  life 
and  he  was  in  a  perpetual  state  of  inflation. 

Donovan  called  in  the  afternoon  and  left  a  good  im- 
pression upon  Ni'ttie,  and  a  gilt-edged  card  for  Laura 
wlio  was  "not  at  home."  Jason  Waller  had  assured 
him  tliat  it  was  a  mark  of  distinction  to  be  invited  by 
the  Van  Tassels,  and   us  they  strolled  down  Michigan 


GOLD    DUST 


H3 


Avenue,  arm-in-arm,  frequently  meeting  some  of  the 
"big"  men,  wlio  tipped  hats,  or  fashionable  women  who 
smiled  sweetly,  Robert  felt  all  the  old,  serene  self-satis- 
faction return  to  him. 

Waller  had  that  day  asked  him  to  join  the  firm  of 
Waller  and  Donovan,  hinting  very  boldly  at  his  ven- 
tures in  the  near  future  which  must  yield  a  rich  har- 
vest and  unlimited  influence. 

Money  had  always  been  the  idol  of  Robert's  heart, 
but  since  he  had  come  to  know  Jason  Waller,  he  felt 
that  "influence"  was  the  power  behind  the  throne.  To 
be  influential  meant  to  b  •  sought  after,  to  be  powerful 
as  well  as  rich.  Su  this  proposal  of  Waller's  made  him 
feel  that  now  he  was  in  his  proper  and  true  sphere, 
soon  to  be  a  rich  and  influential  citizen  of  Chicago, 
and  he  regretted  the  years  wasted  in  Toronto. 

The  evening  of  the  ball  arrived.  Mr,  Van  Tassel 
had  advised  his  fashionable  wife  to  give  this  ball, 
counting  off  on  his  little  fingers  the  names  of  those 
whom  he  particularly  wished  invited.  Robert  Morton 
and  wife  were  among  the  number,  while  upon  her  list 
was  Allan's  name. 

She  had  met  Allan  at  a  theatre  party  where  he  had 
been  introduced  to  her  husband  as  "the  young  man  who 
killed  the  Injim."  Now  she  had  a  great  admiration 
for  dash  and  courage  and,  like  all  womankind, worshiped 
heroism,  so  she  "took  him  up"  after  the  fashion  of  all 
leaders  in  fashionable  circles,  personally  requiring  his 
attendance,  and  urging  as  a  good  and  sufficient  reason, 
that  she  had  invited  his  cousins,  the  Mortons,  her  hus- 
band's friends. 

She  was  determined  to  get  him  into  her  husband's 
office  to  help  him  up  in  the  world.  She  liked  him  and 
everyone  else  should  like  him  also;  but  she  liked  best 
the  idea  of    so  delightful  a  prot^gd.     Allan  had   been 


i 
I 


\  I 


\  i 


%%\ 


1 ;; 


144 


GOLD    DUST 


recognized  by  the  leading  papers  as  the  Indian  fighter 
and  hero,  and  was  sought  out  by  those  whose  chief 
aim  in  life  is  to  shine  in  other's  glory  and  parade  other's 
popularity  in  their  own  parlors  before  an  admiring, 
fashionable  crowd. 

He  was  a  sort  of  fad  just  now,  because  people  must 
have  fads;  his  courage  in  a  hand-to-hand  fight  with  the 
Indians,  the  honor  and  distinction  then  won,  together 
with  his  fine  personal  appearance,  handsome  face  and 
winning  address  ni  :de  him  a  lion  in  a  month's  time, 
so  that  already  it  was  a  question  who  should  secure 
him  first. 

As  often  as  possible  he  absented  himself  from  their 
houses,  but  as  he  had  gotten  a  position  in  Mr.  Van  Tas- 
sel's office  he  could  not  well  decline  to  attend  their 
party. 

"And  remember  you  are  to  dance  the  lancers  with 
me,  I'll  count  on  it,"  was  her  injunction.  So  he  must 
go,  and  if  he  danced  with  her,  and  Laura  siiould  be 
there,  of  course,  he  must,  through  courtesy,  ask  her  to 
dance  also. 

It  was  eleven  o'clock  when  Allan  arrived  at  the  Van 
Tassel  mansion  that  night.  He  had  been  in  a  very 
different  place,  with  very  different  people,  upon  a  vastly 
different  errand  all  the  evening.  He  had  kept  an  ap- 
pointment with  Tom  Denan  and  learned  that  which 
made  his  heart  stand  still  fcr  the  safety  of  his  cousin's 
wife.  The  rc^ports  might  be  idle  rumors,  malicious 
gossip,  but  Robert  was  no  protector.  He  himself  must 
go  to  that  house  and  watch  his  chance  to  warn  Laura. 
He  must  tell  her  of  her  danger,  and  Robert,  too,  if  she 
never  spoke  to  him  again. 

When  h(!  entered  the  parlor  and  sought  the  hostess 
to  pay  his  respects  to  her  first,  she  was  one  of  many 
who  iufiued  a  little  circle  around    LaUfu  Morton. 


A  1 


GOLD  DUST 


145 


lan's  heart  stood  still  for  a  moment  at  the  vision  of 
loveliness  that  met  his  eyes  as  the  circle  parted  to 
admit  him.  Jason  Waller  stood  at  her  left,  though  she 
seemed  not  to  notice  him;  she  had  a  way  of  hauglitily 
ignoring  any  one  she  did  not  wish  to  meet.  She  gave 
Allan  her  hand  :  with  a  grave,  gentle  smile,  thou^di  not 
a  word  to  him,  she  continued  to  talk  with  the  others. 
This  might  have  been  meaningless,  or  it  might  have 
been  full  of  trust ;  but  the  smile  and  hand-clasp  were 
too  gentle  to  be  meaningless.  Allan  took  her  card  and 
wrote  his  name  opposite  the  only  vacant  waltz  and  re- 
turned it  without  a  word.  A  moment  afterward  he  saw 
her  led  away  by  Jason  Waller,  after  which  lie  claimed, 
or  was  claimed  by,  Mrs.  Van  Tassel  for  the  lancers. 

Allan  saw  that  the  big  man  of  the  firm  of  Waller 
and  Donovan  was  very  attentive  to  Robert,  who  had 
hovered  conspicuously  near  Mrs.  Van  Tassel  when  lie 
came  in.  In  Donovan's  manner  tiiere  was  so  much  that 
was  coarse  and  repulsive  that  he  could  with  difficulty 
be  even  polite  to  him,  while  to  Waller  he  was  merely 
civil  and  did  not  disguise  the  fact.  lie  did  not  believe 
that  Donovan  was  cute  enough  to  be  dangerous,  but 
he  was  convinced  that  Waller  was  a  sly,  scheming  ras- 
cal. How  he  wanted  to  throttle  the  man  as  he  led 
Laura  awny  to  dance,  though  as  his  eyes  followed  her 
in  the  pauses  jietween  the  ftgurtjs  and  he  saw  how  dis- 
tantwas  her  manner  toward  lier  partner,  he  took  heart. 

After  supper,  when  their  waltz  was  soon  to  be  cnlli  d, 
he  sought  Lama  who  was  standing  under  a  bright 
chandelier;  in  the  strong  gaslight  she  presented  a  pic- 
ture of  startling  loveliness.  Slie  was  attired  in  a  p.ilo 
green  salin  with  creamy  lace  draperies,  while  upon  netk 
and  shoulders  were  pearls,  and  in  her  beautiful  hair 
thrit  was  dressed  high  upon  her  head  had  been  dexter- 


146 


GOLD  DUST 


ll 


ously  woven  by  the  cunning  hand  of   Lizette  the  same 
lovely  jewels. 

"Madam  is  beautiful  to-night!"  the  maid  exclaimed, 
as  she  gazed  in  rapture  at  the  work  of  her  hands. 

"CjEsar,  you'll  make  a  sensation!"  proudly  declared 
Robert  as  she  came  down  from  her  room  dressed  ready 
to  go  to  the  ball. 

"She  is  divinely  beautiful!"  whispered  the  charitable. 

"She  is  dangerously  beautiful!"  responded  the  "sour 
grapes"  of  the  gay  company. 

Allan,  too,  saw  how  beautiful,  and  in  his  heart  de- 
plored the  dangerous  beauty  that  was  accentuated  by 
a  too  fashionable  style  of  dress.  The  bare  white  arms 
and  shoulders,  though  beautiful  as  Parian  marble,  were 
far  too  fair  for  such  men  as  Jason  Waller  to  gaze  upon. 
These  low  dresses  wore  an  invention  of  Satan,  and 
Laura  must  never  wear  them  again!  Allan  said  this  to 
himself,  with  a  knitting  of  the  eyebrows  into  a  positive 
frown  which  still  lingered  upon  his  face  and  darkened 
his  eyes  fs  he  sought  her  side  a  few  minutes  later  to 
claim  his  waltz. 

"This  is  our  waltz,  I  believe,"  he  said,  briefly  and 
looking  over  lu-r  head.  A  moment  later  the  band  struck 
up  a  favorite  air,  that,  strange  enough,  they  had  danced 
louK  ago,  a  slow,  lazy  thing  that  rtHjuired  little  exertion 
and  brought  no  weariness.  Together  they  circled  away, 
one  couple  uf  ihe  many  who  kept  step  to  the  be- 
witching strains  of  the  dreamy,  passionate  wait/.  Their 
unguarded  feet  carried  them  off  into  a  dangerously  bcati* 
tiful  country.  They  recked  not  of  the  return  from  its 
fascinating,  rose  blooming  vales.  They  soartul  like  the 
bird  of  freedom  upon  shining  wings  tip  to  the  summit 
of  Bun-kiascd  mountains.  On  they  circled  witliottt  a 
word,  occasionally  Allan  looked  dowti  tipon  her  fair, 
jUpturned,  peaceful  face.     Once   Sb  the   eftish    !>ec;:inju 


n 
a 
d 

a 

■ 
ii 


mm^.^' 


ll 


GOLD  DUST 


H7 


more  difficult  she  seemed  to  cling  closer  to  him  as 
though  seeking  to  prevent  a  collision  which  might 
separate  them.  He  looked  into  her  tender,  happy 
eyes,  and  saw  that  a  happy  smile  hovered  about  her 
gentle  lips,  and  it  required  all  his  strength  to  crush 
back  speech,  but  he  shut  his  teeth  and  would  not  say 
a  word. 

She  sc  med  to  have  left  the  state  of  existence  in 
wh-  '  ■)  long  she  had  lived  and  suffered,  and  now 
li^  :  ..  an  ideal  embodiment,  altogether  new  and  satis- 
fying, which  left  her  nothing  to  desire.  In  clinging 
hands  and  smiling,  speechless  lips,  and  unguarded 
glance  of  tender  gray  eyes  Allan  at  last  read  his  answer. 
She  was  true  to  him.  A  faithful  wife  as  it  was  in  her 
power  to  be,  and  i  devoted  mother  she  would  be  always, 
but  she  was  true  to  him,  and  he  was  content.  In  that 
moment,  unconsciously,  she  had  answered  him  by  every 
instinct  of  her  pure,  faithful  heart,  she  was  true,  but  it 
was  the  trullifulness  of  a  faithful  first  love  that  will  not 
be  killed,  nor  disowned,  but  must  be  allowed  a  little 
niche  down  deep  within  the  most  silent  resources  of 
the  heart.  A  presuming  second  love  must  be  satisfied 
to  take  a  second  jtlacc  and  possession. 

They  luid  paused  an  instant,  while  Laura  gathered  uj) 
her  train,  when  tluy  were  surprised  to  see  her  father 
making  his  way  in  desperate  energy  toward  her.  As 
he  came  up  to  them  the  look  of  anxiety  and  concern 
that  liad  filled  his  eyes  gave  place  to  one  of  confusion 
and  indignation  as  ho  saw  how  she  was  attired,  and 
after  one  horrified  glance  at  the  barv-  arms  and  shoul- 
ders of  his  daughter  he  dropped  his  head  and  in  a  low 
angry  voice,  said  : 

"I  had  to  come  for  ye:  Dot's  sick,"  after  whicli  he 
stalked  out,  leaving  I. aura  half  stunned  by  his  startlinir 
intciligeiite. 


i:j 


M  m^n  «• 


148 


GOLD    DUST 


"Dot  sick?  she  had  never  had  a  sick  day  in  her  life, 
and  she  was  well  when  I  went  to  the  nursery  just  before 
I  started.      O,  I  must  go  home!" 

"I  will  conduct  you  to  the  dressing-room  and  quietly 
call  Robert.  I  think  we  can  manage  to  slip  out  with- 
out attracting  unnecessary  attention,"  said  Allan,  in  a 
low  voice. 

In  pale  affright  Laura  suffered  herself  to  be  led  to 
the  dressing-room,  from  which  she  soon  came  dressed, 
and  was  soon  on  her  way  home. 

Morning  dawned  with  little  hope  for  the  sick  child. 
The  disease  that  at  first  was  a  case  of  simple  croup, 
showed  a  disposition  to  become  membraneous.  All 
that  day  the  doctor  continued  to  combat  the  disease, 
until  a  council  of  physicians  was  called,  if  but  to  satisfy 
the  friends.  However,  the  learned  specialist  only  re- 
iterated Dr.  Baxter's  diagnosis;  as  a  last  resort  an 
operation  might,  but  probably  would  not,  give  relief. 
The  last  resort  was  brought  into  requisition  and  failed, 
as  did  every  other  remedy.  Human  love  and  skill  were 
of  no  avail. 

All  that  day  Laura  sat  by  her  child  with  a  stony 
look  on  lier  face  and  in  her  eyes.  She  heard  every 
word  the  doctor  said,  but  she  could  not  be  prevailed 
upon  to  leave  the  bedside  for  a  minute.  They  liad 
brought  her  breakfast,  lunch  and  <linner  successively, 
l)ut  she  had  left  them  untasted,  and  cuuliiuuHl  to  watch 
her  cliild  in  speechless  horror.  The  governess  or  phy- 
siciat)  administered  the  medicines,  Laura  sitting  by 
in  silence,  not  a  tear,  not  a  sigh,  no  questions,  no  com- 
plnints.     She  seemed  frozen  to  deatli. 

Early  in  the  morning  she  exchanged  her  ball  dreai 
for  n  soft  wliite  cashjuere,  witlxuil  leaving  iIk;  room  or 
hercliild's  bedside^  Now  it  wns  dark  nuuin..  -awA  litihlM 
were  brought.     Two   dnrtnrs  sat  watchful    and    at  ten- 


GOLD    DUSr 


149 


tive  by  the  patient's  side,  from  time  to  time  indicating 
by  look  or  sign  the  progress  of  the  disease.  All  day 
Robert  had  paced  back  and  forth  over  the  great  house 
in  boisterous  grief.  Occasionally  the  old  grandfather 
would  tiptoe  softly  to  the  side  of  the  little  grandchild, 
and  after  a  hasty  glance  at  the  sufferer  would  creep 
back  to  the  parlor  again  to  confer  with  "Hanner, "  and 
moan  out  his  loving  sorrow  and  protestations  at  "them 
doctors'  ignorance."     So  the  day  passed. 

It  was  midnight.  The  doctors  told  them  that  their 
patient  could  not  possibly  live  until  morning. 

Midnight!  and  Laura  sat  there  still,  white,  stony, 
with  great  eyes  trying  to  read  the  mystery  of  death  in 
the  pinched  little  face  upon  the  pillow  that  but  yester- 
day had  been  so  rosy  and  smiling.  Nobody  could  lead 
Laura's  heart;  nobody  could  hear  her  pleading  for  one 
word  or  look  of  recognition  from  little  Dot. 

When  they  thought  it  was  all  over, when  in  tlie  silence 
of  that  death-watch  they  ceased  to  hear  the  rustle  of 
shining  wings,  Dot  suddenly  stirred,  opened  her  eyes 
and  held  up  her  tiny  hands  toward  her  mother,  saying 
just  three  words,  "Mamma  take  Dot,"  and  in  an  instant 
Laura  was  clasping  the  little  form  to  her  heart,  while 
great  sobs  shook  licr  like  a  tempest. 

But  little  Dot  lay  in  her  mother's  arms  only  a  pale 
broken  lily,  smiling  and  silently  happy. 


CHAPTER  XIV 

NEW    rUKTOSES 

After  it  was  all  over,  and  Httio  Dot  was  left  in  the 
Kiloncc  of  liur  narrow  bod.  and  tli'  irreat,  lonesomu 
house  resounded  no  more  to  the  happy,  laughing  voice, 


ISO 


GOLD    DUST 


the  world  moved  on  just  the  same  for  all  the  sorrow 
at  the  Morton  mansion. 

Laura  did  not  envelop  herself  in  crepe:  Allan  had 
told  her  that  for  her  own  sake  as  well  as  that  of  Una's 
she  had  better  not,  and  Robert  hated  black;  so  once 
more  she  put  on  the  soft  gray  dresses  that  she  had  laid 
aside  so  short  a  time. 

Quiet  had  settled  down  over  the  house  of  Robert 
Morton  after  the  funeral  of  his  child.  A  great  many 
letters  of  condolence  were  left  at  their  door ;  a  great 
many  called,  but  failing  to  see  Mrs.  Morton  left  cards 
of  fashionable  size  and  color,  bearing  the  proper  expres- 
sions of  sympathy,  which,  after  being  read,  or  passed 
by  unheeded,  as  the  case  might  be,  were  consigned  to 
the  card  case,  to  be  made  much  of  by  Robert,  who  saw 
in  those  small  bits  of  paste-board  signs  and  tokens  of 
his  own  financial  and  social  standing.  But  his  wife 
cared  less  for  them  than  for  a  comforting  word  from 
her  father. 

Laura's  grief  for  Dot  was  quite  unobtrusive.  She 
went  about  the  house  clad  in  her  plain,  gray  dress, 
hungry-hearted,  unsatisfied,  silent.  Dot  was  gone,  dead 
they  had  called  it.  Only  Una  left ;  this  meant  much, 
for  Dot  had  been  sweet,  affectionate  ;  Una  was  a  cold, 
placid  child ;  Laura  missed  the  clinging  arms,  and 
bright,  artless  prattle,  the  winning  ways  and  caressing 
lips  of  her  lost  child. 

Robert,  too,  was  changing  since  he  had  joined  the 
firm  of  Waller  and  Donovan.  Sometimes  she  did  not 
sec  him  for  a  whole  day;  he  went  out  in  the  morning 
before  she  came  down,  and  always  lunched  down  town 
at  ft  restaurant,  frequently  not  coming  home  for  six 
o'clock  dinner. 

From  the  Robert  of  old  times,  with  his  jolly  liiugh 
and  boisterous  way  of  giving  and  receiving  caresses,  ho 


ttt:«»iM*tUI»!«Ci><»£)>nMiM«l  ' 


GOLD    DUST 


151 


had  grown  glum  and  more  than  ever  absorbed  in  busi- 
ness. The  nature  of  this  business  she  did  not  know, 
though  he  had  hinted  about  large  "deals"  in  real  es- 
tate. 

She  knew  that  he  was  in  the  firm  of  Waller  and 
Donovan,  and  having  no  faith  in  either,  she  had  the 
gravest  misgivings  for  his  success,  as  well  as  for  his 
personal  welfare.  But  he  would  brook  no  interference 
from  any  one. 

She  asked  Allan  a  few  days  after  the  funeral  of  Dot, 
and  he  had  told  her  of  Waller's  reputed  bad  character, 
not  omitting  his  own  private  opinion  of  the  man.  This 
opportunity  to  warn  Laura  of  her  danger  and  also  of 
Robert's  was  what  Allan  had  desired,  and  this  done, 
he  kindly  told  her  that  unless  she  should  need  him, 
that  he  should  not  call  again.  Laura  had  come  to 
depend  upon  him  in  the  last  few  days,  and  had  been 
impressed  to  an  unusual  degree  by  his  kind  though 
distant  thoughtfulncss,  so  that  now  she  listened  to  his 
words  with  a  sinking  hcatt.  She  should  miss  him  so, 
why  need  he  go?  why  not  call  often?  There  were  tears 
in  her  eyes  when  she  put  the  question. 

"Don't  give  up  to  your  sorrow,  you  have  Una;  let  her 
comfort  you.  If  I  could  bear  all  for  you  that  you  have 
endured  the  last  few  days,  I  would  most  willingly  do 
so  ;  you  know  that,  Laura. " 

"But  it  is  so  lonely,  po  desolate  without  her,  my 
baby  Dot.  Oh!  she's  gone,  and  now  you  are  going 
away,  and  the  silence  will  kill  me!"  wailed  the  stricken 
mother. 

"Laura,  you  must  not  think  that.  If  you  could  look 
into  some  other  mother's  home,  you  would  see  how 
much  brighter  and  lovelier  the  passing  away  of  little 
Dot,  than  the  cruelty  by  whicli  they  have  been  deprived 
of  theirs.     I  know  it  is   no    time    to    compare    griefs, 


152 


GOLD    DUST 


yours  is  so  recent  and  so  hard  ;  I  know  tliat,  Laura, 
but  you  liave  one  left.  Not  far  from  here  a  poor 
mother  has  lost  three,  and  has  not  even  the  comfort  of 
friends.  O,  if  you  could  see  the  sorrow  and  distress 
that  I've  seen  within  the  last  week,  even  you  would 
soon  bury  your  sorrow  in  sympathy  for  others. " 

"Where  have  you  seen  this  trouble?  Where  is  it?" 
she  asked. 

"All  about  us.  You  need  not  go  a  great  distance, 
not  within  the  houses  of  the  rich,  theirs  is  made  more 
endurable  by  the  help  oi  money,  the  absence  of  poverty 
privation,  and  want.  But  there  are  thousands  of  homes 
where  there  is  not  enough  this  hour  to  keep  soul  and 
body  together  j  where  the  mother  has  to  go  out  wash- 
ing or  sewing  to  earn  bread  for  the  little  ones,  and 
while  she  is  gone  disease  creeps  in,  death  stalks  after 
to  await  her  home-coming  at  night.  There  is  no  money, 
no  money  with  which  to  pay  for  a  coffin,  no  bread  for 
supper,  and  the  living  creep  away  cold  and  supperless 
to  a  bed  that  would  scarcely  satisfy  the  swine,  while 
the  poor,  wretched  mother  watches  in  the  silence  of 
death  and  poverty  and  absolute  darkness  through  the 
long  hours  of  the  night.  Look!  see  the  difference  be- 
tween your  life  and  theirs." 

"Will  you  do  me  a  favor?"  she  asked,  when  he  had 
finished. 

"Certainly;  if  I  can,  most  willingly." 

"Take  this,"  said  she  extending  her  hand  that  held 
a  small  purse.  "Do  what  you  can  for  that  poor  woman. 
Tell  her  I'm  sorry  for  her  trouble ;  it  is  greater  than 
mine,"  and  her  voice  dropped  way  into  a  sobbing 
whisper,  as  she  sank  into  a  chair  and  buried  her  face 
upon  thr  cushion. 

"Your  gift  will   make   her  trouble   lighter,  I'm  sure, 


GOLD    DUST 


153 


said  Allan  in  a  low  voice,  "and  the  giving  will  do  you 
good,  too. " 

"Come  to  me  when  you  need  more,  and  as  often  as 
I  can  I  will  help  you ;  but  don't  tell  Robert,  he  don't 
like  to  have  his  money  go  to  the  poor.  But,  Allan,  has 
this  woman  you  spoke  of  nothing  to  do  with;  nothing 
to  eat;  nothing  comfortable  to  wear,  Allan?" 

"Nothing,  positively  nothing." 

"Let  us  go  to  her,"  she  said. 

Allan  saw  the  look  of  confidence  in  her  eyes,  and 
consented;  it  was  arranged  that  at  3:30  they,  with  the 
governess,  should  go  on  their  mission  of  charity. 

Later  as  they  entered  the  dark,  dismal  passage-way 
that  led  to  Mrs.  Walton's  rooms,  Allan  was  gratified 
to  see  how  interested  Laura  had  become. 

From  shrinking  from  strangers  she  had  assumed  a 
more  peaceful  look,  and  quietly  followed  him  up  the 
long  dark  stairway,  sometimes  looking  around  her  in 
stern  disapproval,  sometimes  pausing  to  look  at  the 
gloomy  place,  but  not  with  any  apparent  shrinking  or 
hesitation. 

There  seemed  to  be  a  new  adjusting  herself  to  the 
necessities  of  the  case  and  the  new  work  at  hand.  It 
was  as  though  she  had  left  all  her  sorrow,  timidity  and 
uselessncss  at  home,  and  was  bent  upon  doing,  regard- 
less of  self.  He  saw  her  frequently  pause  and  look 
about  as  though  trying  to  become  familiar  with  the 
location. 

At  the  farther  end  of  the  corridor  they  paused,  and 
Allan  knocked  at  a  dark  heavy-looking  door.  A  shuf- 
fling sound  within  assured  them  that  some  one  was 
coming.  At  last  the  key  turned  in  the  lock,  the  heavy 
door  swimg  open  and  they  were  confronted  by  a  bold- 
faced young  girl  of  perhaps  si.xteen,  who  in  a  confused 


154 


GOLD    DUST 


way  told  them,  in  answer  to  their  inquiries,  that  her 
mother  was  out,  but  would  be  in  soon. 

There  was  a  look  of  desperate  hardness  in  the  girl's 
face,  which,  though  handsome,  yet  even  at  her  extreme 
youth  was  lined,  and  no  longer  fresh  and  girlish.  Dark 
circles  under  the  large,  dark  eyes  were  made  more 
prominent  by  the  pallor  that  replaced  the  first  flush  of 
confusion. 

"We  have  called,"  said  Allan,  as  the  girl  seemed 
waiting  for  some  explanation,  "to  see  if  we  can  make 
your  mother  more  comfortable,  if  she,  Mrs.  Walton,  is 
your  mother?  We  want  to  see  the  little  child  that 
died  this  morning." 

"Are  you  the  Mr.  Morton  who  came  here  this  morn- 
ing?" asked  the  girl,  having  fully  recovered  her  wonted 
assurance. 

"I  called  here  this  morning,  but  did  not  learn  that 
your  mother  was  going  out  to  work  to-day.  However, 
we  can  do  quite  as  well  if  she  is  not  here.  If  you  will 
permit  we  will  see  the  little  child  now.  We  have  no 
time  to  spare." 

Laura  had  brought  a  large  bundle  of  clothing,  and 
a  basket  of  ready  cooked  provisions.  The  latter  brought 
a  look  of  satisfaction  into  the  bold  face  of  the  girl  as 
she  took  it  thanklessly  from  Allan's  hand. 

As  Laura  proceeded  to  open  the  bundle,  Allan  was 
surprised  to  find  she  had  brought  some  of  her  children's 
clothing. 

"These  were  little  Dot's;  she  don't  need  them  now," 
Laura  explained,  as  she  met  his  inquiring  glance. 

"You  are  a  very  brave  woman,  Laura,"  was  his  quiet 
reply  as  they  set  about  the  work  of  shrouding  the  dead 
body  in  Dot's  garments  of  soft  material  and  dainty 
make. 

"See,  Allan,  my   baby  called    herself  'Pitty   Dot'  in 


GOLD    DUST 


155 


this,"  said  Laura  holding  up  a  miniature  dress  of  lace 
and  linen  lawn  that  she  was  going  to  put  upon  the 
little  form  before  her.  For  one  moment  she  looked 
through  falling  tears  at  the  pretty  garment,  then  pas- 
sionately kissing  its  little  unfilled  sleeves  she  buried 
her  face  in  its  folds  and  sobbed  like  a  child. 

Very  soon,  however,  the  storm  passed  and  Laura 
proceeded  with  her  work,  which  was  soon  complete 
and  as  they  were  leaving,  Allan  informed  the  girl  that  he 
would  order  a  coffin  which  would  be  there  very  soon. 

"Guess  it  don't  matter,  the  others  didn't  have  none 
to  speak  of:  just  a  rough  box  fer  both  of 'em,"  she  an- 
swered. "Committee  said  that  was  good  enough  for 
paupers,  'nd  put  'em  in  just  as  they  were.  Good  enough 
for  paupers!  I'd  like  to  know  who  made  us  paupers! 
We  didn't!  Mum  works:  so  do  I  when  they  let  me. 
Pap  got  work  sometimes,  'nd  drank  it  all,  'nd  a  heap 
more  besides,  fast  as  he  got  it  till  it  killed  him.  I 
had  work  in  a  store,  selling  fancy  notions.  Too  slow ; 
I  lit  out.  Then  I  went  to  work  for  the  biggest  bug  on 
Wabash  Avenue.  They  said  I  stole,  ' rA  hauled  me  up 
fer  stealin'.  I  didn't  steal  not  a  thing!  I  sassed  the 
judge  and  told  him  I  could  git  all  the  duds 'nd  money, 
too,  I  want  without  stealin'.  He  sent  me  up  for  thirty 
days,  just  fer  tellin'  my  mind  'bout  rich  folks  ez  call 
'emselves  Christians.  If  they  be  Christians,  I  don't 
want  no  Christians  around  me.  I'd  ruther  hev  sinners  ; 
got  more  decency.  Be  you  Christians?  'cause  if  you 
be,  ye  can  git  out;  i  hate  Christians!" 

Laura  avoided  direct  reply  to  her  question, but  asked: 

"Can't  you  get  work?" 

"They  all  say  I  steal,"  answered  the  girl,  angrily. 
"No  one  won't  give  work  to  a  thief.  They  say  'Let  'cm 
starve  or  get  work  the    best    they  can.'    Well,  I    gets 


\ 


■•«•*  mm-r- 


156 


GOLD    DUST 


work  the  best  I  can.     I  don't  steal,  and  I  won't  starve: 
you  bet!"  with  a  confident  toss  of  her  head. 

"Where  have  you  been?"  asked  Allan. 

"Been  away,  visiting,"  she  answered,  after  some  hes- 
itation. 

"Well,  you  will  stay  here  to-day  and  help  your  moth- 
er," he  said,  as  they  turned  to  go,  "will  you  not?" 

"O,  I'll  stay  to  please  you  ;  you  bet ! "  the  girl  quickly 
replied,  with  a  look  in  her  bold,  dark  eyes  that  made 
Allan  knit  his  brows,  and  hartily  turning  away  he  drew 
Laura  and  the  governess  out  of  the  room. 

As  Laura  turned  to  go  she  dropped  her  handker- 
chief. The  girl's  quick  eye  discovered  it,  and  touch- 
ing Allan's  arm  as  he  turned  to  close  the  door  she  gave 
it  to  him,  saying  : 

"Here,  sir,  your  wife  dropped  this,  I  don't  want  it." 

"Thanks,"  said  he,  coldly. 

"Don't  want  no  traps  set  here!"  she  said,  shrilly,  with 
a  pert  toss  of  her  head. 

They  rode  home  in  silence,  but  just  as  they  were 
driving  up  to  the  door,  Laura  said : 

"I'm  not  sure  how  much  I  shall  be  able  to  do,  but 
when  you  need  help  in  a  case  of  this  kind,  let  me  know 
and  I  will  do  all  I  can." 

"I'm  afraid  that  I  should  have  to  call  on  you  very 
often,"  he  said,  looking  into  her  eyes  with  a  grave,  earn- 
est smile. 

"Is  this  a  common  thing,  this  want  and  suffering, 
and  that  girl's  story?"  she  asked,  in  tones  of  wonder- 
ment. 

"Very  common,"  he  answered,  earnestly.  "This  is  a 
mild  case  compared  to  what  I've  seen." 

"How  do  you  learn  about  those  things?  Of  course, 
there  are  the  papers ;  but  how  do  you  learn  of  these 
special  cases?" 


GOLD    DUST 


157 


"In  many  ways,"  he  answered, after  a  pause,  "yet  there 
are  special  means." 

"But  how  do  you  ge.  the  irne  to  see  them?"  she 
persisted. 

"I  have  days  and  houi:  off  ft  ;m  the  office.  I  shall 
soon  give  all  my  time  to  :  ^e  work.  Chicago  is  a  large 
city,  there  is  plenty  to  do." 

Laura  had  never  seen  such  a  grave  look  upon  his 
face. 

"If  you  care,  I  will  call  soon  again  and  tell  you  more 
about  it.  Just  now  I  have  not  the  time:  I  must  go  to 
the  undertaker's  and  you  must  rest;  you  are  tired," 
and  he  smiled  again  in  a  sort  of  brotherly  way  that 
had  none  of  the  old  passionate  longing,  adding  by  way 
of  explanation; 

"I  have  found  my  vocation  at  last  and  I  am  no  more 
empty-handed,"  then  touching  his  hat  he  hurried  away. 

Laura  set  about  finding  out  what  mear-  he  had  at 
her  disposal,  and  in  what  way  she  might  assist.  Money 
she  had  none,  except  as  it  came  through  Robert's  hands. 
Would  he  help  the  poor?  She  might  induce  him 
to  give  her  money, but  it  must  never  pass  through  Allen's 
hands  :  she  was  sure  of  that.  Yet  Allen  of  all  others 
was  the  safest  and  best  ally  in  this  work.  But  how  was 
she  to  help  him?  How  was  she  to  carry  food,  fuel, 
light  and  clothing  to  those  poor,  destitute  creatures 
whom  Allan  told  her  about?  What  could  be  worse 
than  the  condition  of  the  Waltons?  She  could  give 
Mrs.  Walton  warm  clothing,  a  good  bed,  and  food  also, 
yes,  and  light,  but  think  of  the  thousands  of  destitute 
ones  to-night  in  the  great  city,  without  a  crust  to  eat, 
or  a  pound  of  coal,  or  even  light,  sitting  in  darkness! 
Oh,  that  waf=.  horrible!  .And  Laura  shuddered  and 
cowered  before  the  open  grate,  spreading  out  her  hands 
to  the  warmth  of  its    coal   fire  in   an  ecstasy  of    satis- 


11 


i^ 


i; 


•*;  mm: 


158 


GOLD  DUST 


faction.  It  was  getting  dusky  in  the  great  house  and 
the  maid  was  lighting  the  gas. 

As  Laura  descended  the  stairs,  and  passed  through 
the  long  hall,  and  ample  parlor,  and  into  the  warm, 
brightly  lighted  dining-room,  she  felt  a  new  and  keener 
appreciation  of  the  comfort  which  these  things  brought 
her. 

When  Robert  came  to  dinner  that  evening,  he  was 
surprised  at  the  change  in  the  general  appearance  of 
things.  Delight  and  approval  shone  upon  his  face 
and  in  his  manner  toward  his  wife  ;  as  for  the  first  time 
in  several  days  he  kissed  her,  saying: 

"That's  right,  Laura:  don't  sit  moping.  Light  up. 
Nothing  like  bright  rooms  to  raise  one's  spirits." 

The  bright,  warm  room  and  well  filled  table,  and 
the  beautiful  face  of  his  wife  before  him,  made  Robert 
forget  whatever  of  business  worries  and  perplexities  he 
may  have  had  through  the  day.  Robert  had  a  heart, 
and  under  the  influence  of  his  surroundings,  he  said 
wiHi  sudden  ardor: 

"'What  wouldst  thou,  Qii  en  Esther?  And  what  is 
thy  petition?  and  I  will  give  hit  thee  unto  'alf  of  my 
kingdom,'  or,  in  good  sound  Yankee,  I'll  do  all  \  can 
to  gratify  your  dearest  wishes." 

"Then  I  may  ask  a  favor,  Robert?"  she  ventured, 
thinking  of  the  need  of  it,  of  its  enormity,  with  a  quak- 
ing heart  lest  he  should  oppose  her  share  in  it,  as  well 
as  his  own  i.    the  giving, 

"Anything  in  my  power,"  he  aawored,  good-naturedly 
as  though  talking     <  a  willful  child,  "What  is  it?" 

"After  supper  will  d  ;  then  I  want  to  talk  with  you, 
upon  the  strength  of  your  promise." 

He  looked  at  her  for  a  moment,  then  threw  up  his 
chin,  saying:  "All  right,  then  changed  the  subject  to 
6nc    icss    tnystctious.     Lut  r  tcw  iTionicnts  aitsr   tiisy 


GOLD  DUST 


159 


had  repaired  to  the  parlor,  he  suddenly  wheeled  around, 
and  said  with  a  forced  laugh  that  had  none  of  the  ante- 
dinner  ring  in  it: 

"Well,  hout  with  it.  I  see  you've  got  something 
hon  your  mind  to  say;  now's  your  time." 

Then  with  much  fear  and  trembling  she  began  by 
drawing  his  attention  to  their  own  warm,  bright  home; 
of  her  useless  life  of  selfish  ease,  gradually  growing 
braver  as  she  saw  his  eyes  become  humid  during  her 
description  of  the  home  of  Mrs.  Walton.  The  tender 
look  which  came  over  his  face  when  she  spoke  of  the 
dead  body  and  its  appearance  dressed  in  Dot's  dainty 
clothes,  encouraged  her  to  proceed  in  her  story  to  the 
end. 

After  it  was  all  over,  and  she  paused,  flushed  and 
tearful, with  no  favor  to  frame  in  so  many  words, because 
the  story-telling  carried  with  it  the  weight  of  a  mighty 
request,  he  said,  for  the  moment  feeling  the  force  of 
the  plea : 

"Well,  what  do  you  want  to  do  for  them ;  of  course, 
there  is  some  hobject  in  your  telling  me  hall  this?" 

"I  want  you  to  help  me,  Robert." 

Jusi  then  a  ring  at  the  door  bell  was  answered  by 
Robert,  with  an  expectant  look  upon  his  face  as  he 
ushered  into  the  brilliant  room,  Jason  Waller. 

Laura  felt  that  the  man  was  the  bane  of  her  life  and 
with  cold  dignity,  excused  lierself  and  sought  her  own 
room,  feeling  disappointed  and  resentful:  She  had  been 
hopeful  of  Robert's  co-operation  in  her  plans,  but  now  I 
In  her  disgust  she  could  not  be  patient  with  Waller 
for  interrupting  her  work,  but  having  nothing  else  to 
do,  she  ordered  Lizctte  to  bring  her  jewel  case. 

With  mruvelous  alacrity  Lizette  plac(>d  the  vrlvct 
case  before  lur  mistress,  and  with  the  assurance  of  her 
cliiiis  paused  to  await  fuillier  orders, 


• 


iJ 


i6o 


GOLD  DUST 


As  one  after  another  Laura  held  up  each  of  the  glit- 
tering  jewels,  garnets,  diamonds,  and  pearls,  silently 
computing  their  value,  Lizette  took  a  new  attitude  ex- 
pressive of  different  degrees  of  admiration  that  to  an- 
other would  have  been  ridiculous,  but  to  her  mistress, 
only  enhanced  the  value  of  her  possessions,  and  made 
the  scheme  in  her  mii"J.  more  promising. 

■'Madam  is  happy  to  have  so  fine  jewels.  O,  if  I 
should  be  so  fortunate  to  possess  so  fine  jewels!" 

"Sec,  Lizettel  aroxi't  thc-y  beauties?"  and  Mrs.  Mor- 
ton  held  them  up  to  the  light,  watching  the  effect  upon 
the  delighted  girl.  "But  I  shall  never  wear  such  costly 
gems  again.  I'd  rather  have  their  value  in  money  for 
better    things.     Which  do  you    like    best,"  she    asked 

kindly. 

"My  mistress  is  so  kind  to  ask  her  maid  to  give  an 
opinion.  She  is  the  best  judge  :  but  if  I  must  judge 
for  one  so  amiable,  so  kind,  I—"  and  Li/.ette  paused, 
and  continued,  "but  if  I  must  judge,  I  must  say  the 
bracelets  with  the  garnets.  Oh,  Mon  Dieu!"  and  Li- 
zctte  was  overwhelmed  by  her  own  feelings. 

"You  have  bcc.i  very  faithful  to  me,  Lizette,"  said 
her  mistress,  with  a  kind  smile. 

"My  mistress  can  command  me,"  said  the  girl,  with 

effusion. 

"We  will  put  the  jewels  away  to  night,  Li/.ette,  and 

look  at  them  another  time." 

Tl\e  next  afternoon  Allan  called  and  was  glad  to  find 
Laura  brighter,  and  evidently  under  none  of  the  un- 
pleasant influences  caused  by  tlic  visit  of  the  day  btfore. 

After  he  had  quite  fully  explained  the  nature  of  the 
work  which  they  had  before  them,  slu?  sent  for  the 
jewel-case,  and  pliuing  it  in  Allan's  hands,  said: 

"T,ool<.  see  what  this  will  do  for  us." 

"Wh.it   do  you  nu  an.  Laura?"  ho   asked   huii  bcwil- 


GOLD  OUST 


i6i 


dered  by  their  beauty  and  the  inference  he  must  natur- 
ally draw  from  her  words. 

"I  tiluill  never  wear  them  again,  diamonds,  pearls, 
rubies  and  all  the  rest;  I  shall  sell  them.  I  will  not 
wear  them,  while  in  this  city  there  is  so  much  suffer- 
ing. Don't  discourage  me,  Allan,  i  want  to  help  you 
in  this  'vork. " 

"Oh!  I'll  not  discourage  you,  Laura,"  said  he,  meet- 
ing licr  .shining  eyes  kindly,  "but  do  you  realize  wliat 
you  are  doing?  These  are  valuable  jewels;  I  ditl  not 
know  you  had  such  fine  diamonds.  I  never  saw  you 
wear  thope  rubies,"  and  he  examined  the  jewels  more 
closely. 

"Robert  gave  me  <:!iose  since  we  came  here.  He 
said  lie  should  never  (piestion  my  right  to  them.  Rob- 
ert must  be  making  a  great  deal  of  money,  for  he  said 
they  were  very  iine,  worth  a  great  deal." 

"But  he'll  noi  want  yuu  to  sell  them.  You  must 
certainly  ask  him  about  it,  I  think,"  answered  ho, 
gravely. 

Just  tluMi  Li/ette  announced  ladies  in  the  parlor  and 
Laura  excused  herself  for  a  few  minutes,  leaving  Allan 
alone. 

Immediately  afterward  Una  came  in  and  together 
Allan  and  Una  examined  the  contciits  of  the  case,  as 
one  by  one  he  tried  them  upon  her  neck,  wrist,  and 
fingers,  in  quiet  delight  watching  her  eyes  dilate  with 
surprise  pnd  pleasure  at  the  effect. 

IIu  took  no  notice  of  the  maid  who  frecpiently  passed 
through  the  room,  but  was  relieved  when  Laura  re- 
turned, and  sent  her  away  with  the  case,  after  promis- 
ing to  get  liobert's  consiiit  before  selling  them. 

"V*K^  you  think  tliat  your  maid  will  take  care  of  your 
jewels?"  he  ubkod,  as  Lizette  left  tiie  room. 

ii 


l62 


GOLD    DUST 


"Oh!   yes,  she  is  very  trusty,"  answered  Laura,  con- 
fidently. 

"But  don't  you  trust  her  too  much,  is  it  not  a  temp- 
tation?" he  persisted. 

"Oh!  no.  I  think  not.  If  it  is,  she  has  withstood  it 
a  long  time;  but  I  think  she  is  trusty." 
"Have  you  never  missed  anything?" 
"Why,  nothing  but  a  few  small  things  such  as  hand- 
kerchiefs," she  replied,  wondering  what  Allan  meant; 
but  determined  to  re-assure  him,  she  continued:  "and 
even  those  small  losses  are  due,  I'm  sure,  to  careless- 
ness in  the  laundry.  Oh!  no,  Lizette  is  strictly  honest 
and  devoted  to  me." 

The  evening  before  Robert  had  gone  out  with  Wal- 
ler, and  did  not  return  until  late.  Laura  had  not  seen 
him  for  more  than  a  brief  goodbye  that  morning,  and 
as  he  returned  to  dinner  and  signified  his  intention  of 
remaining  at  home,  she  gathered  together  her  wits  and 
her  failing  courage  by  the  thought  of  that  story  of  des- 
olation that  Allan  had  told  her,  and  after  it  was  all 
told  she  flung  herself  down  upon  the  sofa  beside  her 
husband;  he  suddenly  startled  her  by  saying: 

"That's  just  what  Waller  says;  'e  says  it's  quite  the 
fashion  now  for  ladies  hof  the  best  circles  to  belong 
to  benevolent  societies,  and  missions,  and  hall  sort  of 
things.  Oh,  yes,  it's  hall  right.  Waller  says  it's  the 
best  thing;  builds  a  man  right  hup  to  'ave  'is  wife  in 
Buch  things.     Waller  will  like  that  immensely!" 

"IJut  it  doesn't  matter  to  me  what  he  says;  it  mat- 
ters what  you  think,  Robert,"  said  she,  feeling  the 
beauty  of  her  plans  marred  by  the  influence  Waller  had 
over  her  husband,  She  had  never  noticed  it  so  much 
boforo.  but  the  more  she  thought  of  it  the  less  was  she 
pU-acei!  at  W:>l!rr'H  evident  power  ovef  Uob<rt.  Yet 
she  felt  that  she  nuist  endure  it    for  the  sake  of    thq 


GOLD    DUST 


163 


help  that  she  hoped  to  obtain  from  him.  "That's  hall 
right,"  he  continued,  "hall  right!  Mrs.  Van  Tassel 
was  telling  me  the  hother  day  that  she's  in  the  work 
all  the  time.  You  go  hon  ;  I'll  back  you  in  hany  rea- 
sonable hamount.  Why  one  'as  to  do  these  things  to 
get  to  the  top  of  the  'eap!  I'm  going  to  get  there. 
Ha,  ha,  my  beauty!  'ow  would  you  like  to  be  Congress- 
man Morton's  wife?  Eh,  Laura!  Yes,  you  go  hon, 
I've  been  been  talkin'  to  Waller,  and  he  says  go 
ahead!  it'll  'elp  me." 

No  doubt  Robert  had  some  brilliant  scheme  in  his 
head.  Laura  did  not  feel  the  charm  of  brilliant  antic- 
ipation that  seemed  to  elate  him.  She  saw  that  already 
he  had  nearly  forgotten  the  little  grave  at  Graceland, 
and  the  vacant  place  so  near  his  own  at  table.  Ambi- 
tion had  stalked  in  and  taken  up  her  abode  in  his  heart; 
death  and  sorrow  could  have  no  lasting  effect  upon 
him.  His  next  remark  rendered  her  almost  dumb  with 
a  sense  of  outrage  to  her  so  recei\tly  wounded  heart,  as 
after  .canning  her  critically,  he  said: 

"You'd  ought  to  wear  crepe,  too,  Laura,a  crepe  veil ; 
Waller  sa_)'s  it  would  hadd  weight  to  your  benevolent 
work,  to  go  about  in  your  carriage  drt^ssed  in  mourn- 
ing. I  'ate  the  stuff,  but  hi'  ;t's  the  best  thing  for  us, 
why  hof  course  hic's  the  tiling  to  do," 

Laura  quietly  answered  : 

"It's  too  late  to  make  any  change  in  mj-  dress  if  I 
would,  and  I  certainly  would  not  do  so  to  please  Mr. 
Waller.  I  liave  dressed  to  suit  my  own  feelings  and 
with  reference  to  your  own  wishes." 

Nothing  more  was  said  upon  tlie  subject,  but  Laura 
felt  that  she  had  damaged  her  caijse  by  refusing  to  put 
on  crepe  in  deference  to  Jason  Waller's  opinion. 

Kubert  soon  rose  to  go  out,  urging  a  suddenly  xv^ 
inrtuberud  engagement  down  town,  and    as    Lauru  fol* 


1. 


«%^J! 


164 


GOLD    DUST 


lowed  him  into  the  hall,  she  was  surprised  to  see  him 
pui  upon  his  head  a  hat  that  was  trimmed  witli  a  broad 

band  of  crepe.  .     . 

"1  had  not  noiiced  that  before,"  she  said  pointing  to 

the  sable  deccation. 

"I  think  it  proper  and  worth  while  to  respect  public 
opinion."  lie  anF.wciod,  bn-.squely,  and  passed  out  ^,hut. 
tin"  the  door  wivh  a  savage  bang,  leaving  his  wife 
hall  sick  and  wholly  discouraged  at  what  seemed  tlu-  cer- 
tain failure  of  her  plan  for  obtaining  his  co-opera^on. 


CHAPTER  XV 

A    ROnKEUV 

Robert  Morton  did  not  return  home  that  evening,  nor 
that  night,  a  matter  which  gave  his  wife  much  uneasi- 
ness and  kept  her  awake  until  after  midnight.  After 
that  she  had  slept  until  sunrise,  but  arose  tired  and 
despondent  and  with  her  mind  full  of  a  vague  dread. 

As  she  descended  to  the  breakfast-room  a  letter  from 
him  was  placed  in  her  hands,  telling  her  that  he  had 
been  suddenly  called  away  for  a  day  or  two,  and  as  he 
had  no  time  to  spare  before  starting  he  took  that  way 
of  informing  her.     He  di-l  not  explain  the  nature  >t  his 

business. 

After  breakfast  t,-.,  concluded  sho  woul  '  lo.  over 
the  contents  of  her  .'drobe,  but  was  surpr--d  ♦  dis- 
cover an  unusual  look  about  things,  as  tho  'h  some 
one  ha.',  been  careless  about  hanging  up  hor  -jvsses 
and  some  of  them  had  fallen  down  again.  Where  v  «re 
those  that  she  meant    to  sell?     Had    Li/.etto  p  em 

away  without  orders,  knowing  that  her  mistress  would 

„    a-,-      ntfj-M'i      T>.-n^'ib^'       W(!ll.  she    would 
not    v\rnr    thciii    agdui;       i.ti-.u..,. 

look  over  her  jewels  again,  and  decide  which  ones  she 


GOLD    DUST 


165 


would  dispose  of.  Lizette  would  soon  be  in  and  she 
would  then  ask  about  the  dresses.  She  had  not  spoken 
to  Robert  about  the  diamonds  yet,  but  she  would  look 
at  them  again. 

Opening  the  drawer  she  ran  her  slim  hand  under  a 
large  pile  of  linen  and  failed  to  find  the  jewel-case. 
One  after  another  with  trembling  hands  she  laid  the 
contents  of  the  drawer  out  upon  the  carpet,  but  could 
not  find  the  jewel-case.     She  summoned  Lizette. 

"Where  did  you  put  my  jewels?"  she  demanded  in 
an  excited  manner,  pointing  to  the  empty  drawer  at 
her  feet,  "Lizette,  where  are  iny  jewels?" 

"Always  I  put  the  jewels  where  I  am  bid,"  she  an- 
swered, looking  down  at  the  pile  of  linen  and  other 
things  which  her  mistress  had  thrown  upon  the  carpet. 

"Look!  find  them  for  me  if  you  can,  Lizette,  help 
me  ;  or  stay,  you  are  sick,  my  poor  girl !  I'll  find  them, 
only  tell  me  where  you  put  them.  Perhaps  you  put 
them  in  another  place,  in  anotlier  drawer,"  and  Lawtra 
drew  out  the  second  drawer.  "Perhaps  they  are  in  this 
one." 

"No,  no,"  Lizette  cried  emphatically,  "I  put  the 
jewels  wh'-.re  I  am  bid,  always,  in  the  bottom  drawer 
under  the  big  pile  of  linen.  But,"  continued  she,  with 
a  nod  of  the  head  and  an  evasive  look  in  her  eye;  "I 
say  to  madam  it  is  not  a  safe  place  for  so  costly  jew- 
els. " 

"Evidently  not,  for  they  are  gone,"  answered  Laura, 
much  chagrined  at  her  own  carelessness.  "And,  Lizette, 
where  are  my  pretty  dresses  hung?" 

"In  the  blue  room  closet,  nuidam,"  answered  Lizette, 
with  some  dignity  that  was  not  lost  upon  her  mistress, 
who  flit  unliamed  for  asking  her  trusty  maid  such  a 
question,  A 'ir)i  to  the  girl's  mind,  at  such  a  time, 
must  convey  an  insinuation. 


1 66 


GOLD    DUST 


"O,  that  was  right;  they  were  not  in  my  wardrobe 
and  I  wanted  to  see  them.  But  what  do  you  think 
has  become  of  my  jewels?  Are  you  sure  that  you  put 
them  in  that  drawer?  Think,  Lizette;  did  your  head 
ache  last  night?  that  makes  one  confused  sometimes, 
you  know,  and  maybe  you  forgot  where  you  put  them. 

urced  Laura,  kindly. 

"No    „or>  reiterated  Lizette  i  "in  the  lower   drawer, 

right   hand,  nnder  the  big    pile  of    linen,  jnst  as   the 
madam  bade  me.     I  will  help  madam  move  everyth.ng 
and  together   they  searched    the  room  thoroughly,  but 
tv"th  no  better  success  than  before,  unt.l  suddenly  she 
looked  under  the  dressing-case  and   saw  the  object  of 

her  search.  ,        .,  j    :«. 

-Witn  a  little    cry  of  delight    she  hastdy  opened    . 
only  to  find  that  the  diamonds  and  pearls  and  several 
rings  were  gone  ;  the  garnet  bracelets  were  left,  togeth- 
er with  some  other  things  of  small  value. 

She  looked  at  Lizette,  who  gasped  out: 

■•Mon  Dieu!  the  bracelets  are  safe!" 

"But  my  diamonds  are  not,"  exclaimed  her  m.stress, 
excitedly.     "Lizette,  some  one  has  stolen  my  J.amonds 
Tell  me  where  are   n,y  jewels-   tell  me   at   ouce!     Tell 
mo    or  I  will    call    the   officers    and   have    the    house 

'"■Td'f  not  know  where  madanfs  jewels  are,  but  madam 
will  not  call  the  police  if  1  tell  her  what  1  tunU,  and 
The  black  eyes  of  the  girl   glowed   as   >f  w.th   msulted 

•""What  do  yo..  think?     Tell  me,  if   your  opinion   is 
so  valuable,"  demanded  Laura,  with  a  s.nk.ng  heart 
■The  madam  commands  me  i  listen,"  repl.ed  the  g,r 

Impressively ;  "You  loft  the  case  of  jewels  on  the  table 
veLrday  afternoon  while  you  vis.l  ..i  the  parlor  se= 
i;:  cousin  look  many  times  at  the  bracelets,  look  close- 


GOLD    DUST 


167 


ly.  He  should  not  do  so  in  the  madam's  absence." 
"What  do  you  mean,  Lizettc  ?  Do  you  mean  to  accuse 
my  husband's  cousin  of  stealing  my  diamonds?"  asked 
her  mistress  sternly,  yet  with  a  cold  horror  creeping 
over  her  as  she  thought  how  completely  Mian  was  in 
the  girl's  power  unless  the  jewels  were  found. 

"I  accuse  no  one.     I  say  what  1  see.     I  have  not  the 
jewels.   Madam  may  search  my  trunks,  the  house,  every- 
thing, it  matters  not.     Madam  can  call  the  police,  they 
ask   questions.      Ask  Lizette    questions,  I    must  speak 
true.     Lizette  will  be  honest  if  madam  send  her  away 
to-day,"  and  the  girl's  haughty  face  and   flashing  eyes 
expressed    more    than    her  words    how  thoroughly  she 
appreciated  her  power  over  her  mistress. 
Laura  saw  this  and  hastened  to  say: 
"Lizette,  I'm    not  accusing  you.     Forgive    anything 
I've  said;  I'm  so  worried,  but  tell  me  what  you  think." 
"If  madam  desire   to   know,  I  can  say.     But  madam 
will  be  anger,"  said  Lizette,  reluctantly  yet  with   dig- 
nity. 

"Tell  me  just  who  you  think  has  stolen  my  diamonds, 
persisted  Laura,  determined  to  get  the  girl's  opinion. 
"I  think,  if  madam  must  know,  I  think  most  certain 
the  grand  monsieur,  the  fine  cousin,  stole  the  jewels. 
Lizette  haf  no  more  to  say  until  the  law  bids  her  talk," 
andwit'^  "-i  injured  air  the  wily  girl  was  about  to  leave 
the  ro'  i 

"Stay,  Lizette,  I  see  yoii  can  do  my  husband's  cousin 
a  great  injury  by  your  stories.  I  know  tliat  he  is  inno- 
cent :  he  is  too  good  a  man  to  steal.  But  you  believe 
this  ti    ng  of  him  and  can  hurt  him.     Sit  down,  I  want 

to  thiuK." 

Laura  saw  Mian's  danger.  L.  ette  felt  aggrieved  by 
what  slie  supposed  was  an  accus'uion,  .»r  if  she  had  a 
private  grudge  against  Allan,  ..;  .  mi^ht  try  t'   %et  sat- 


I  fi 


I  vn 


i68 


GOLD    DUST 


isfactioii    by    swearing    away    his    good    name.      Such 
things  had  been  and  might  be  again.      She   hated   the 
thought  of  purchasing  the  girl's   silence,  but  she  must 
save  All  -n  from  suspicion.       So  she  looked  keenly  into 
the  steru  face  of  the  maid,  and  said : 
"Lizette,  will  you  do  me  a  favor?" 
"I  am  madam's  maid,"  answered  she,  coldly. 
'Yes,  I  know  that;  but  lay  that  as  de.     Will  you  try 
to  consider  how  much   you   may  harm    Mr.  Morton    if 
you  tell  what  you  threaten?    He  is  my  husband's  cousin. 
My   husband    will  not    believe   yon,  but    he    is    gone, 
and  I  must  do  what  i  can.     Lizette,  I  need  not  call  the 
police.     Oh,  Lizette,  will  you  promise  to   keep  still  if 
you  are  asked  about   this?     Of   course,  I  shall  tell  my 
husband  about  it  when  he  comes  bom  ■,  but  1  want  you 
to  say  nothing!     Wil'  •  ou  j.'-jmise,     .izette?" 
A  shrug  of  the  shouiuers  v/as  the  answer. 
"What   will    induce   you   to  'say  nothing    about    my 
loss?     i  may  find  the  j.  we,s  and  the'^  you  would  only 
be  harming   an    innocent  man."     Laura  looked  keenly 
into  the  girl's  face  and   saw  that  whir!    aiade   her  des- 
perate. 

"What  shall  1  give  you,  Lizef'  I  know.     You 

admire  tb.^  garnet  bracelets  so  rr...eh.  ou  shall  have 
th'.  ;.:  if  you  will  promise  me  to  saynothingaboutwh.it 
you  saw,  for  it  ^eally  will  be  doing  a  great  injustice." 
Laura  had  talked  rapidly,  almost  incoherently,  yet 
the  girl  understood  her,  and  the  sight  of  the  long  cov- 
eted bracelets,  as  her  mistress  held  them  up  before  her 
eyes,  was  too  much  for  her  honesty. 

"The  bracelets!  Oh!  Mon  Dieu !"  she  exclaimed, 
clasping  her  hands  ecstatically,  "madam  may  command ; 
Lizette  will  say  notliiug.  Not  anyone  shr.li  hear  one 
word,  never!  Lizette  see  nothing,  hear  nothing,  know 
nothing,  never!" 


GOLD  DUST 


169 


Of  course,  Laura  knew  what  this  meant;  she  was 
bribing  this  girl ,  but  she  must  keep  her  silent.  Allan 
must  be  saved  if  innocent:  if  guilty-she  could  not 
think  of  that!  All  this  i^  \  more  passed  and  re-passed 
her  mind.     Suddenly  she  asked: 

"Tell  me  all  you  saw,  Lizette,  I  must  know  what 
makes  you  judge  him."  ^ 

"M  >dam  can  judge,  for  what  I  see.  Monsieur  Allan 
Morton  take  the  diamonds,  look  very  closely,  a  long 
time.  He  is  great  joy  to  put  them  on  the  Una.  They 
haf  fine  sport.  He  look  at  the  other  jewels,  pearls, 
-  irnets,  all,  but  most  at  the  diamonds  and  pearls.  He 
.00k  a  great  many  times  at  the  door,  only  when  he  haf 
the  .1  monds  and  pearls  in  his  hands.  He  look  what 
you  L  ai  anxiety  at  the  door.  When  you  open  the 
door  he  quick,  lay  down  the  jewels,  and  fold  his  arms, 
so,"  and  Lizette  stood  up  straight,  in  exact  imitation 
ofAMan's  erect  attitude,  with  folded  arms. 

Laura  saw  how  her  maid  might  injure  Allan,  and 
smothering  her  self-coutempt  she  said  : 

"And  if  I  give  you  the  bracelets  will  you  v.oar  to 
keep  it  a  secret,  swear  on  that  black  cross  you  wear 
abont  your  neck?" 

"Madam  ask  a  great  deal." 

"Not  too  much.     You  must  do  this  thing  or  I  11  sell 
these  bracelets  within  an  hour.      I  was  going  out  to-day 
{or  that  purpose.     Will  you,  Lizette,  will  you  swear?" 
"I  will  swear,"  answered  Lizette,  after  a  few  moments 
of  deep  thought,  and  producing  the  cross  she  repeated 
aftcM  her  mistress,  a  vow  of  eternal  secrecy,  concerning 
what  she  had  seen,  or  thought,  and  as  she  proceeded, 
Laura  growing  desperate  at  thought  of  the  girl's  power 
over  Allan-  demanded  in  a  stern  voice: 
"Now  kiss  the  cross." 


M 


lyo 


GOLD  DUST 


"I  cannot,  cried  Lizette,  shrinking  back  as  though 
dealt  a  fearful  blow. 

"You  shall :  kiss  the  cross.  I  command  you,"  sternly 
demanded  her  mistress,  "kiss  the  cross,  or  I'll  sell  the 

bracelets.  ' 

"Oh,  Mon  Dieu!  so  shame  to  sell  so  fine  jewels  for 
so  little.  Ah!  I  am  madam's  servant,"  and  the  girl 
hastily  pressed  her  lips  to  the  black  cross,  then  held 
out  her  hands  for  the  coveted  bracelets  and  grasping 
them  greedily  she  rushed  away,  much  to  the  relief  of 
her  mistress,  who  now  that  she  had  proved  the  girl 
pervious  to  bribe,  hated  her,  though  she,  herself,  to 
save  Allan  had  been  a  party  to  the  transaction. 

Allan  did  not  call  that  day ;  of  this  Laura  was  glad, 
for  do  what  she  would  she  could  not  overcome  the  feel- 
ing of  dread  that  had  taken  possession  of  her. 

So  the  day  wore  away  in  doubt  and  foreboding. 
Fearful  and  nervous  about  the  issues  of  each  successive 
hour,  she  was  glad  when  Robert  returned  at  evening. 

Business  for  the  firm  was  his  excuse,  and  she  ques- 
tioned him  no  further,  so  relieved  was  she  to  hear  his 
hearty  voice,  and  to  feel  that  she  was  not  alone  in  the 
house. 

That  evening  after  she  told  Robert  of  her  loss,  he 
called  one  after  another  of  the  servants  and  subjected 
them  to  the  closest  examination.  Lizette  was  the  last. 
Allan  called  while  she  was  complacently  and  with  great 
dignity  answering  her  master's  questions. 

This  was  the  first  he  had  heard  of  the  robbery,  and 
as  he  listened  to  the  special  points  in  the  case,  so 
greatly  was  he  startled  and  shocked,  that  thought  was 
confused  and  speech  came  to  him  slowly.  He  listened 
to  the  conversation  between  Robert  and  the  servants, 
with  an  occasional  word  thrown  in  by  Mr.  i  issett, 
with  ail   intense  regret,  not  so  much  at  the  loss  of  the 


GOLD  DUST 


171 


money's  worth  as  at  the  act  itself.  The  points  in  the 
case  that  startled  him  most  were,  that  the  jewels  were 
stolen  in  Robert's  absence,  at  night,  by  some  one  who 
knew  just  where  to  go  for  them,  how  to  get  them  with- 
out waking  Laura.  He  heard  Robert  say  this,  and 
vaguely  remembered  having  heard  Laura  tell  him  just 
where  she  kept  them.  He  saw  how  unprotected  she 
had  been  at  the  time  of  the  robbery,  alone  in  the  great 
house,  at  the  mercy  of  the  servants,  Lizette  included. 
He  said  nothing,  but  was  interested  at  the  questions 
Mr.  Bassett  flung  at  Lizette,  the  only  one  who  seemed 
to  have  any  interest  for  the  keen  old  man. 

Finding  that  he  could  make  nothing  out  of  the  inves- 
tigation among  the  servants,  Robert  asked  his  cousin 
to  remain,  while  he  went  out  on  business,  hinting  that 
Laura  was  nervous  and  half  sick. 

Soon  he  returned,  bringing  a  man  who  was  evidently 
a  detective.  Together  they  searched  every  nook  and 
corner  of  the  house,  and  questioned  and  cross  questioned 
the  servants,  but  with  no  better  result  than  before. 
The  man  advised  Robert  to  keep  quiet:  he  would  un- 
dertake to  ferret  out  the  burglars. 

During  all  this  tim:-,  from  the  moment  Allan  came, 
and  during  Robert's  absence  and  the  detective's  inves- 
tigation, Laura  had  maintained  a  quiet  that  was  at  this 
time  a  little  strange,  and  in  marked  contrast  to  the 
anxious,  eager  look  upon  his  face.  She  answered  all 
questions  that  Mr.  Wakeup  put,  with  a  measured  tone 
of  voic(^  as  though  she  felt  the  importance  of  each  word. 
But  siic  scarcely  looked  at,  or  spoke  to  Allan. 

When  Robert  had  said  in  an  off-hand  way,  "I  came 
near  sending  for  you,  Al,  to  come  and  stay  with  the  folks 
till  T  "ot  back  but  ha<ln't  time;  had  to  make  the  train 
jiretty  lively,"  and  when  Allan  had  answered,  "I  wish 
you  had,  I  did  not  know  that  you  were  going  away,  or 


172 


GOLD    DUST 


1  might  liavc  offered  what  protection  my  company  in 
the  house  might  have  attorded,"  Laura  looked  at  him 
keenly,  for  a  moment  with  a  strange,  questioning  look 
in  her  eyes.  Allan  saw  this,  and  to  him  her  actions 
were  a  riddle.  Robert  believed  that  burglars  had 
stolen  the  jewels,  and  gave  the  matter  into  the  hands 
of  the  detective,  who  after  gathering  all  the  facts  pos- 
sible at  hand  took  his  leave,  accompanied  by  Allan  who 
asked  the    privilege  of  walking   back  with   him  to  the 

office. 

"Robert,  were  the  diamonds  so  very  valuable?"  asked 
Laura  as  the  door  closed  upon  Allan  and  the  detective. 

"Well,  there  you  'ave  me.  It  depends  upon  what 
you  call  valuable,"  answered  her  husband,  evasively. 
"I  didn't  pay  a  big  sum  in  so  much  money.  Tiiey 
might  cost  another  man  a  mighty  sight  more  than  I 
paid  for  them,  but  they're  worth  enough  to  make  me 
want  to  get 'em  back,  hif  it  don't  cost  too  much  money. 
Fact  is  I  got  'em  by  way  of  business,  an'  that's  just  as 
good  to  you,  isn't  it?     Got  'em  in  trade,  you  may  say." 

"Will  it  be  a  loss  to  you  if  we  don't  find  them,"  she 
asked,  looking  into  his  face  anxiously. 

"Why,  not  much.  I  shouldn't  be  hapt  to  i>ay  for 
such  another  necklace  or  ring  every  day,  and  might 
never  get  such  a   bargain.     What  you  want   to   know 

for?" 

"Robert,  if  it's  only  for  my  sake,  I  had  so  much 
rather  let  them  go,  than  to  be  worried  by  strange  men, 
and  all  the  rest,"  she  answered,  wearily.  "1  woidd 
rather  do  without  them,  than  be  bothered,  if  yoii  don't 

miml. 

"Well,  that's  a  querr  notion,"  said  Robert,  looking 
keenly  down  into  her  face.  He  saw  she  looked  hag- 
gard and  worn,  "(mess  this  thing  has  worried  you 
until  you're  about  played  out,  ain't  you?" 


, 


GOLD  DUST 


173 


"I'm  so  tired,"  answered  his  wife,  with  a  little  gasp- 
ing sob  that  went  straight  to  the  big  man's  heart  as 
she  came  and  stood  beside  him,  leaning  her  head  upon 
his  shoulder. 

"Well,  hif  you  don't  care  enough  about  the  things 
we  won't  mind  'em.  I  suppose  hit's  all  a  waste  <^ 
time  and  money  anyway.  Whoever's  got  'em  is  be- 
yond the  reach  of  the  law.  Just  as  you  say,  any  way; 
if  you've  a  mind  to  do  without  'em,  I  don't  care,"  and 
he  drew  her  closer  to  him,  forgetting  that  only  twenty- 
four  hours  before  he  had  felt  so  savage  about  the  mat- 
ter of  mourning. 

"And  will  you  discharge  that  man,  the  detective?  Do, 
Robert,  quick.     He'll  be  here  at  all  times  of  day,  and 
I  <  an't  bear  the  thought!"  and    she   sluuldercd  visibly. 
"Well,  well,   I'll  see  'im  in    the  morning  and    tell  'ini 
to  go  'bout    his   business,  he    needn't   bother  'bout    it. 
Wdl  that  do?"  and  he  laid  his  ruddy  cheek  against  her 
head.   The  caress  swept  away  the  years  of  wreU  hcdness 
and  she  lifted  her  head,  inteniling  to  touch  her  cpiivi^r- 
inglips  to  his  check;  but  his  next  remark  banished  her 
thought. 

"After  all,  there's  no   money  in    them  diamondfi,  no 

great  loss,  or,  of  course  I  couldn't  let  'em  go  so  easy." 

"I  would  not  wish  you  to  lose  any  money,"  she  said, 

In   a  cold,  disappoit\tcd  tone    and  slipiung  out    of   his 

encircling  arn»s. 

"Oh!  that's  all  right!"  he  ass\n-ed  lui,  clueifully,  not 
noticing  tlic  sudden  change  in  her  countenaiu:e  ami 
manner.  "I  guess  I'll  step  out  a  few  minutes;  may  bo 
I'll  9cc  Waketip,  hand  I'll  put  a  stop  to  all  that  racket; 
then  he  won't  be  coming  round  'ere  in  the  mornin'," 
and  ho  left  the  house,  though  it  was  nearly  ten  o'clock. 


iSfi'i 


, 


ttmnrrTMiiil  ■  1  lai 


174 


GOLD  DUST 


CHAPTER    XVI 

ALLAN   AS   ERRAND   BOY 

A  few  days  after  the  events  in  the  previous  pages, 
Allan  was  walking  down  Wabash  Avenue,  when  he  saw 
the  Van  Tassel   carriage  being  driven   rapidly  toward 

him. 

As  Mrs.  Van  Tassel,  who  was  its  only  occupant,  smil- 
ingly waved  her  hand  to  him,  he  touched  his  hat  and 
would  have  hurried  on,  but  she  signified  her  desire  to 
speak  with  him. 

As  the  carriage  drew  up  to  the  curbstone  she  made 
room  by  her  side  for  him,  saying: 

"Step  in,  1  want  to  talk  with  you,  we  can  talk  belter 
in  here  than  on  a  public  street.  " 

"My  drive  with  you  must  be  very  short,  for  my  time 
is  so  limited  this  morning,"  said  he,  as  he  took  a  seat 
beside  her,  "and  I  shall  have  to  return  soon." 

"O,  how  busy  we  always  arc,"  she  exclaimed,  as  they 
were  whirled  away  toward  the  lake  shore. 

"I  believe  you  wished  to  speak  with  me,"  he  said, 
smiling.  "O.  yes,  if  one  must  count  the  minutes  we 
will  proceed  to  business.  I  simply  wish  to  know  two 
things,  whicn  I  think  you  can  tell  me:  first,  why  will 
not  your  cousin's  wife  be  friendly  with  me;  second, 
who  is  that  dark,  handsome  stranger  whom  we  saw 
talking  with  Mr.  Waller  the  other  evening?  You  saw 
him  comc<  into  Waller's  box,  of  course,  for  1  saw  you 
look  daggers  at  him  " 

"To  your  first  question  I  have  no  answer,  for  1  have 
no  right  to  question  Mrs.  Morton's  wishes  or  motives, 
and  she  is  not  apt  to  confide  in  me,  or  any  one  else, 
for  that  matter.  The  second  qtiestion  I  will  answer  as 
best    and    us   briclly  as  \  cm.       The   man's  name  is 


GOLD  DUST 


175 


lUardo,  Leon  lUardo.  He  is  an  Italian  and  socialist 
of  the  most  pronounced  type.  He  does  not  belong  to 
the  common,  but  rather  to  the  uncommon  class,  and 
he  believes  he  is  obeying  the  Divine  law  to  "become 
all  things  to  all  men:"  if  he  can  help  his  cause.  He 
is  a  remarkable  character  ;  under  certain  conditions  a 
dangerous  one." 

"How  long  have  you  known  him?" 

"I  have  no  personal  knowledge  of  or  acquaintance 
with  him,  but  I  have  seen  him  a  number  of  times ; 
a  few  times  before  I  came  here." 

"And  you  lived  in  Toronto?" 

"Yes.  I  saw  him  on  the  cars,  once ;  and  now  if  you 
please,  I  must  ask  to  be  carried  swiftly  back,  for  1  must 
go  to  the  office."  The  truth  is,  he  did  not  want  to  an- 
swer her  questions  and  she  was  shrewd  enough  to  know 

it. 

"Mark  tells  me  you  are  going  to  leave  the  office  soon. 

What  for?"  she  asked. 

"Yes,  I  leave  in  a  day  or  two." 

"But  why?  Can  you  do  better?"  she  persisted,  in 
no  way  heeding  his  growing  impatience. 

"If  it  was  a  (piestiou  of    money,  no.     As  it  is  1  can 

do  better." 

"I  never  saw  a  n^an  care  so  little  for  money  as  you 
do.  I  think  it  is  well  you  are  unmarried,"  and  she 
laughed  lightly,  as  she  bade  t»ic  coadiman  drive  back. 

"Do  you  think  I  would  1«  t  a  wife  starve?"  he  asketl. 

"O,  no  ;  but  she  would  believe  you  were  right  anil 
live  to  please  yoii,  tliat  is.  live  in  a  'Vu,  acid  dress  like 
a  qiinkcr. " 

"I  think  the  quakers  havo  the  best  of  it,"  he  said, 
smiling  and  touching  his  hat. 

"Arriving  at  the  t)ffico  of  his  employer  ho  was  not  a 
little  surprised  to  find  that  Mrs.  Van  Tassel  had  reached 


176 


GOLD  DUST 


there  before  him.     She  was  evidently  waiting  for  some 
one.     He  bowed  slightly,  saying: 
"You  traveled  fast." 

"Yes,  I  did.  I  started  out  on  business,  just  think  of 
it,  business  for  a  fashionable  woman,  and  I  mean  to  stay 
here  until  I  can  be  in  a  measure  successful,"  giving  an 
emphatic  tap  with  her  foot  upon  the  floor,  and  contin- 
uing, "If  your  time  were  not  so  very  precious  I  need 
not  go  further,"  and  she  waited  half  questioning  with 
look  and  attitude. 

"My  time  is  at  your  service  now  that  I  must  wait  for 
Mr.  Van  Tassel  to  return,"  he  answered,  politely. 

"O,  thank  you.      It  had  occurred    to  me  that  in  your 
work  among  the  poor  you  may  have  learned  something 
of  a  family  by  the  name  of  Walton." 
"Yes,  I  have  heard  of  one,  a  widow." 
"She  rents  of  Jason  Waller,  I  believe." 
"She  did,"  he  quietly  answered,  but  she  paid  no  \\v.vx\ 
to  his  correction. 

"I  asked  him  to  let  iier  stay  in  her  rooms  and  1  would 
give  her  sewing  to  take  home.  I  really  felt  sorry  for 
her,  and  I  paid  him  out  of  my  pin  money  for  her  rent. 
Didn't  she  lose  a  child  not  long  since?" 

"She  lost  three,"  he  answered,  gravely, "but  she  paid 
him  for  her  rooms,  when  I  didn't,  since  I  came  here. 
Perhaps  you  gave  him  money,  but  it  was  not  pcr- 
miiled  to  cancel  her  rent." 

"The  scoundrel!  I  certainly  paid  hiiu  quarterly,  in 
advance.     And  arc  you  sure  slie  lins  paid  him,  too?" 

"Certainly,  for  I  gave  hor  money  on  two  occasions  for 
that  purpose,  and  know  she  gave  it  to  him.  Not  lik- 
ing the  way  he  treats  her  1  got  lier  another  place.  I 
say,  I  got  the  place,  I  mean,  I  was  sent  out  to  do  so ; 
I  was  but  an  agent." 
"And  you  say  she  has  lost  thrco  children?" 


GOLD  DUST 


177 


"Three,  and    the    fourth,  a  girl   of  fifteen,  is  worse 

than  dead."  ,     ,     ,i.t  n 

"Three  dead,  and  the  fourth  ought  to  be  '  Waller 
did  not  tell  me  of  more  than  one,  though  she  seemed 
to  be  very  needy." 

"Didn't  you  see  her,  your  sewing  woman?  he  asked, 
looking  aslant  at  her,  but  avoiding  her  last  remark. 

"No,  it  is  not  necessary ;  my  housekeeper  tends  to 
that;  only  plain  sewing,"  she  said,  convincingly. 

"Perhaps  if  you  should  hear  her  story  without  any 
coloring  as  she  would  tell  it,  it  might  make  a  friend 
of  you ;  she  needs  friends. " 

"Why,  what  is  so  distressing  and  different  in  her 
case  from  any  other?"  she  asked,  subdued  by  his  grave 

look  and  manner. 

"I  prefer  you  should  ask  her ;   she  will  tell  you,  I  m 

sure.     It's  a  sad  story,  and  a  hard  one." 
"Will  you  go  with  me  to  see  her?" 
"No.      I  think  you  had  better  see  her  alone." 
Just  then  Mr.  Waller  entered  the  room  and    seemed 

in  no  haste  to    leave  when  he  wat;  told  "Mr.  Van,"  for 

whom  he  incjuircd,  was  out. 

"We  were   just  speaking  of    Mrs.  Walton  when    you 

came  in  the  room,"  said  Mrs.  Van  Tassel,  eyeing  Wal- 

ler  keenly;  "Mr.  Morton  says  she  has  a  grievous  story 

to  tell,  and  he  wishes  me  to  hear  it,  what  say  you,  Mr. 

Waller?" 

"I'm  not  enough  ac(iuainted  witli  the  Waltons  to 
decide,  "was  hi-,  answer.  "The  stories  of  that  class 
are  pretty  much  alike,  all  poor,  improvident,  many 
lazy,  shiftless,  a  bad  lot;  crime   and  drunkenness  run 

riot,  and-" 

"Allow  nic."  interrupted  Allan  with  a  stern    look  on 
his  face  and  a  nuick  flash  in  hi3  eye.  "of  whom  are  you 
speaking,  Mrs..  Walton  or  hrr  dauf/!iter?" 
n 


178 


GOLD    DUST 


There  was  no  doubting  Allan's  meaning;  it  was  sig- 
nh.cant.  b.t.ng,  personal,  though  it   might   have   been 
ill-timed,  impolitic.      He  did  not  think  or  care  for  that, 
lie   thou-dit   only  of   that   heart-broken    mother,  alone 
with  her  grief  for  her  dead   and   l^^r  more  terrible  sor- 
row for  her  wayward  daughter.     He  thought  o     those 
things  and   his   face    grew  stern.     He  was   looking    at 
the  man   before   him  with  the   concentrated   h.ie  of   a 
life-time  of  staunch  integrity  for  such  a  conscienceless 
scoundrel    as   he   knew  Jason  Waller   to   be.     A   fiery 
gleam    came    into  Waller's  black  eyes   for   an    instant, 
but  with  a  meaning    look   he  replied,  politely  bowing: 

"I  have  not  the  honor  or  the   pleasure  of   so   exten- 
sive an  acquaintance  with  people  of  that  class.     I  leave 
that  to  good-natured  philanthropists  like  Mr.  Morton, 
then  he  bowed  himself  out.  _^ 

"You  are  not  a  friend  of  Mr.  Waller's.  I  see,  said 
Mrs.  Van  Tassel  after  he  had  gone.  _ 

"I  hate   him,"  was  Allan's   savage    reply,     as  1  hate 

all  his  ilk."  , 

"Why?  Jason  Waller  is  a  sort  of  monarcli  here. 
You  must  bow  the  knee  to  his  royal  Highness,  when 
you  go  to  'our  church'  any  way,"  said  she  with  a  mock- 
ing laugh  and  enjoying  his  ferocity  immniscly 

"Then  I'll  stay  away  for  a  long  time,  for  1  U  never 
fail  to  show  my  contempt  for  su<h  a  fraud."  ^ 

"O,  well,  the  world  is  full  of  frauds.  I  suppose  he  s 
no  worse  than  anv  other:  not  half  as  dangercus,  because 
no'  half  n.  han.lso,uc  or   agreeable  to  the  eye  as  some 

of  tJH'in." 

"l)o  vou  believe  that?"  I\r  a'^Ui-.l  in  surprise. 

"Certainlv  What  i^  more-  dangerous  than  n  hand- 
some rake?  What  more  perilous  than  to  stake  ones 
happiness  upon  a  false  hearted  bca-ity?"  she  asked  tin 

'     .  ,        .  1  :,,,..,..    .       "\    ,in  A  f.mhionablu 

question  •  '" 


GOLD    DUST 


179 


,  ( 1 


woman:  I  choose  to  be.  I  am  a  leader  of  so  called 
fashionable  society  ;  my  husband's  money  helps  me  lead. 
But  that  does  not  blind  my  eyes.  That  man  is  every- 
thing vile  and  false  under  the  sun,  but  his  face  is  a 
mirror;  it  tells  the  whole  miserable  truth  about  him. 
He  may  pive  money  to  missions  and  churches:  he  can 
afford  it,  he  is  the  greatest  gambler  and  thief  in  Chi- 
cago ;  and  I  know  him,  too.  But,"  she  continued, 
with  a  sarcastic  smile, "he  is  not  dangerous  to  people  of 
average  intelligence.  Now  tell  me  what  he  meant  by 
his  sneering  laugh  when  he  left." 

"I  can't  tell,  but  he  meant  nothing  to  my  credit," 
Allan  answered,  with  forced  calmness. 

"O,  he  never  does,  but  as  he's  least  dangerous  when 
he  threatens,  so  when  he  is  quist.calm,  smiling,  beware! 
Do  you  know  that  man  don't  believe  in  honest,  sincere 
friendship:  believes  that  all  friendships  culminate  ac- 
cording to  his  own  approved  methods." 

"Seliishness,  wreck  and  ruin,"  said  Allan,  counting 
them  off  on  his  fingers. 

"Yes,  scUishncss  for  him,  wreck  and  ruin  for  others. 
I  tell   you,    Allan    Morton,  I  may   be   fashionable,  but 
I -have  a  heart  and  conscience,  and  I  wouldn't  have  if 
I  could  tolerate  that  num.     Now,  I'm  coming  to  what 
I've  got  to   say;   you   know  a  woman   always  does,  if 
you  give  her  time  enough   and  don't  mind    the   condi- 
tions.    That  man  tried  to  make  me   hate   Mark  only  a 
year    ago,  too.     Oh!    the  wretch!     Actually    told    me, 
had  the  assurance  to  tell  me  Mark  was  poor  and  faith- 
less.    As  though  1  cared  for  poverty  ;   if  it  come8,  I'll 
stand   it   side  by  side  with   iny  old   lord  just   as   I've 
spent  his  money,  with  his  permission,  and  by  his  side. 
Mark  is  an   honest   man   in  my  sight,  and  let  any  one 
dare  to  say  to   the  contrary.      I  may  tolerate   them  for 
a  purposr,  for  my  husbunU's  interests,  l)Ut  not  for  their 


i8o 


GOLD    DUST 


own,  not  for  my  own,  of  course.     Now,  I  am,  or  want 
to  be  a  friend  to  Laura  Morton.     She   hates  me,  why, 
I  don't  know.     Well,  let    that    pass.     I  won't   beg   of 
her      But  you  must  put  her  on  her  guard.     Waiier  will 
make  trouble   between   them,  and  Robert  Morton  will 
settle  with  him  in  his   hot-headed  way  of   making  set- 
tlements.    I  like  them  both.     Morton  is  not  to  blame 
if  he  has  fallen  among  rogues  ;  rather  to  be  pitied.     He's 
your  cousin,  but  I  know  that  you  don't  quite  like  him. 
Oh'  I  know  it,"  said   she,  when  he  looked   up  in   sur- 
prise at  her  frank   accusation.      "He   likes   you   better 
than  vou  like  him.     But  he's  a  good  man  in  the  main, 
and  I  like  him.     I'm  going  to  stand  by  him,  too,  for  if 
I'm    not   mistaken   he  11  need  a  friend    in    less    than  a 
month.     Of  course,  I  mean  Mark  and  me  both.     Mark 

likes  him;  so  do  I." 

"I  see  and  I  am   glad   to  hear   it,"  answered  Allan, 
feeling  called  upon  to  respond. 

"The  trouble  of  it  is,  Allan,"  she  continued,  in  her 
direct  way  of  coming  to  the  point,  "Robert  Morton's 
divinity  is  too  divine,  too  fine-grained,  too  delicate  in 
taste  and  sense,  for  such  a  great  uncouth  bear  as  he  is. 
so  thoy  grow  apart  year  by  year,  if  indeed,  they  were 
ever  any  nearer.     Did  you  know  them  before  they  were 

married?" 

"Yes,  rather  before,"  was  the  equivocal  answer. 

"Why  didn't  you?-  iium— yes,  I  sec  -  hum- m.  I 
wish-Mark  would  ever  get  here  when  I  want  him. 
Here  he  comes  now,"  and  much  to  her  relief  her  husband 
trotted  briskly  into  the  office.followed  by  Robert  Morton 
who  was  talking  in  an  animated  manner. 

Allan  had  felt  the  hot  blood  mounting  to  his  face  and 
knew  that,  in  spite  of  his  heroic  efforts  to  appear  calm 
he  was  the  picture  of  conscious  confusion.  Mo  glanced 
hastily  at  Mrs.  Van  Tassel,  and  she,  too.  seemed  to  be 


GOLD    DUST 


i8i 


disconcerted.  Of  course,  he  understood  her  last  remark, 
though  so  broken  and  disjointed.  He  knew  that  she 
was  vexed  with  herself  for  stumbling  upon  the  truth 
concerning  his  love  for  Laura.  There  was  an  awkard 
though  brief  pause,  as  Mark  Van  Tassel  looked  from 
Allan  to  his  wife.  He  was  going  to  make  some  jocu- 
lar remark  that  might  be  ill-timed,  but  the  quick-witted 
lady  parried  it  off  by  knitting  her  black  eyebrows  and 
giving  him  a  knowing  look. 

"Now  you  needn't  fly  into  one  of  your  jealous  rages, 
Mark:  you're  much  too  old  and  too  sensible;  but  just 
give  me  a  check  for  a  cool  thousand  this  blessed  min- 
ute. " 

Considering  the  perfect  confidence  Mark  Van  Tas- 
sel reposed  in  his  wife,  her  charge  of  jealous  rage  was 
ridiculous,  and  delighted  the  old  man  immensely  ;  un- 
derstanding her  side  long  glance  from  under  knitting 
brows,  he  readily  fell  into  the  same  line  of  conversa- 
tion and  answering  with  mock  severity  : 

"Not  a  dollar  to  spend  for  jim-cracks  for  that  ball." 
"But    I    want   a   perfectly  gorgeous  dress,  and   must 
have  lots  of  things  beside." 

"Yes,  lots  of  things,  to  deck  yourself  out  with.  Oh, 
no,  Elinor  Van  Tassel,  you're  dangerous  enough  now 
shining  around  all  the  young  men! 

"Now  I  protest!  Mr.  Morton,  isn't  he  stingy?" 
"Yes  'e  is  certainly,  an'  if  'c  don't  give  you  the  dress 
I  will,"  answered  Robert  much  amused  by  her  gayety. 
I  wish  my  wife  would  want  new  dresses,  she  don't 
dress  'alf  has  gay  has  I  wai.t  ;  r  to.  I  like  to  see  a 
woman  look  well." 

"Only  a  very  beautiful  woman,  i>\  the  Madonna  order, 
can  wear  those  soft  gray  dresses  wit!)  clianniug  effect," 
said  Mrs.  Van  Tassel.  "Your  wife  kn.ks  like  an  angel, 
and  charnis  like  a— woman     in  evorytliing   she  wears, 


,1? 


!     i 


182  GOLD    DUST 

but  I  think  she  is  loveliest  in  light  gray  (she  was 
looking  at  Allan  now)."  "She  is  not  half  as  lovely  m 
bright  colors,  or  black.  She  must  never  wear  black. 
Thanks,  for  small  favors,"  and  she  took  a  roll  of  bills 
from  her  husband's  hand.  "Now  I'm  going  to  spend 
my  money,  five  hundred  for  myself,  and  the  rest  to 
quiet  my  conscience,"  and  she  swept  gracefully  outof 
the  room  followed  by  the  twinkling  eyes  of  her  dotmg 
husband,  who  chickling  proudly  as  the  door  was  shut 
after  her,    said  *o  Hobert  Morton: 

'■Do  you  knnu  ',vV,ere  the  half  of  that  money  11  go? 
No?  well,  she'll  c;ive  it  to  beggars.  The  spendthrift! 
But  she's  cute,  Elinor  is,  cute  as  old  Nick!  every  time 
she  gives  a  party,  or  gets  a  stunning  new  gown,  she 
Kives  as  much  to  the  poor  as  she  gives  for  her  party 
and  dress.  That's  what  I  call  keeping  debit  and  credit : 
she  calls  it  quieting  h.:-.r  conscience."  _ 

"Pretty  costly  business,"  said  Robert,  grimly. 
"Why.  what's  a  thousand  dollars  to  me?     I  made  fifty 
thousand  the  other  day  in  that  last  deal.     My  money's 
hers  and  she  spends    it  wisely,  and   I  get   the  biggest 
sort  of  interest.     I  get  peace  of  mind,  because  I  make 
my  wife  happy  in  her  own  way,  and  she  makes  nie  the 
happiest  old  coon  in  the  city.     See  the  point?  _  She  11 
come  to  me  to-night  and  show  me  the  corner,  ]ust  the 
corner  of  some  rich  stuff  and  tell  me    to  wait    till    the 
dress  is  done.     Then  she'll  sail  down   into   the   parlor 
on  dress  parade,  so   that  I  may  admire  her  before  any 
one  else  does  in  her  new  gown.     But  she'll  never   say 
anything  about   the    conscience    money  till  I  question 
her  right  smart ;    I  know  it's   all    right;   that's  enough 
for  me:  it's  her  money's   well  as  mine.     We  know  all 
nbout  where  it  goes."  . 

All  this  time  Allan   had   been  waiting   for   a  private 
talk  with  his  employer.     Kobcrt  was  fidgety  and  ill  at 


GOLD    DUST 


1R3 


ease,  yet  evidently  had  some    purpose    'n  being   there. 
Mr.  Van  Tassel  cleared  the  way  for  ert  by  saying: 

"Allan,  I  want  you  to  do  an  errand  for  me  ;  go  down 
to  Tinsel's  and  give  him  a  letter.  He'll  show  you  a 
pair  of  bracelets  that  I  want  to  see.  Tell  me  what 
you  think  of  them.  May  get  'em  for  Elinor  if  we  like 
'em.  Come  back  soon  and  I'll  see  you  later.  Do  you 
know,  Morton,"  said  he  as  the  door  closed  after  Allan, 
"my  wife  thinks  that  man  is  about  as  good  as  they  raise 
this  side  of  the  pond.  I'm  sorry  he's  going  to  leave 
me;  don't  know  how  to  get  along  without  him." 

"What  fool  notion  'as  he  got  into  his  head  now?" 
asked  Robert,   impatiently. 

"O,  he's  going  to  do  something  or  other  in  some  sort 
of  a  scheme  to  look  after  the  poor  people,  I  guess.  That 
ain't  quite  it,  but  it's  something  in  that  line." 

"Oh!  'e's  going  to  deal  hout  other  people's  money, 
and  bring  about  a  sort  of  millenium,"  said  Robert, 
with  a  savage  sneer  that  caused  the  little  man  to  look 

up  in  surprise. 

"Well.  Elinor  says  it's  always  best  to  bring  about  the 
most  good  to  the  largest  number  of  people  ;  that's  when 
she's  arguing  me  out  of  an  unusually  large  sum  of  money, 
and  I  ain't  sure  but  it's  true.  I'm  sorry  your  cousin  is 
about  to  leave  us.     Elinor's  taken  a  notion  to  him." 

"Most  women  do,"  said  Robert,  laconically. 

"I  thought  it  would  please  Nell  to  have  him  choose 
the  bracelets,"  continued  Mr.  Van  Tassel,  seeming  not 
to  hear  him,  "and  I'm  going  to  get  them  on  the  sly  for 
her  to  wear  with  her  new  dress.  Then  I'll  have  to  give 
the  worth  of  them  to  the  poor  kids  around  town,  or  she 
won't  wear  'em.  O,  she's  a  tartar  about  this  business," 
and  he  bowed   Robert  out   just  as  Allan  returned  with 

the  jewels. 

"What  do  you  think  of  them,"  asked  his  employer. 


mil 


If 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


tiitM. 

1^  m 
if  i^ 


1.4 


2.5 
2.2 

20 
1.8 


1.6 


MICROCOPY  RESOLUTION  TEST  CHART 

NATIONAL  BUREAU  OF  STANDARDS 

STANDARD  REFERENCE  MATERIAL  1010a 

(ANSI  and  ISO  TEST  CHART  No,  2) 


184 


GOLD    DUST 


"I  am  not  much  of  a  judge;  but  they  are  very  beau- 
tiful. I  like  the  setting  better  than  an\'  I  ever  saw, 
but  you  must  not  depend  upon  my  judgment,  for  I 
know  very  little  about  diamonds!" 

"Guess  we'll  keep  them,"  answered  the  old  gentle- 
man, 

"I'm  surprised  that  he  didn't  want  a  guarantee  of 
my  honesty,"  said  Allan;  "I  thought  he  was  very  un- 
wise to  let  me  carry  those  jewels  back  and  forth:  he 
don't  know  but  I'll  decamp  with  his  property." 

"You  wouldn't  get  far.  Those  folks  have  private 
men  to  guard  their  interests:  they  don't  trust  any 
man." 

Allan  remained  talking  with  his  employer  for  an  hour 
or  more,  then  after  receiving  wiiat  was  due  of  his  sal- 
ary, he  prepared  to  leave  the  office ;  softened  by  the 
old  man's  evident  regard  for  him,  he  was  inclined  to 
grant  any  favor  that  Mr.  Van  Tassel  might  ask  of 
him.  Just  as  he  was  leaving  the  door  he  volunteered 
to  take  the  jewels  to  his  employer's  wife. 

"You  can  do  tliat  for  me,  Allan,  and  it  will  please 
Elinor;  she  likes  you  and  don't  want  you  to  leave;  so 
take  these  jewels  to  her  if  only  to  make  your  peace," 
and  the  little  man  cliuckled  in  fatherly  good  nature. 

"O,  I  guess  it  won't  make  much  difference  who  car- 
ries them  to  her,  if  you  don't.  I  suppos..  I'll  do  as 
well  as  any  one  for  errand  boy,"  Allan  said,  laughing, 

"You  young  dog!  If  Elinor  wasn't  so  level  headed, 
I'd  be  jealous  of  her.  She's  always  sounding  your 
praises.  Go  'long  ;  and  mind  you  come  often  to  see  us, 
artv!  11  you  ever  get  into  a  corner  come  to  Mark  Van 
Tassel.     Hear?" 

"Yes,  I  hear,  an<l  am  grateful  for  your  kindness.  I 
have  none  too  many  friends  to  forget  you,"  said  Allan, 
iooking  into  his  employer's  keen  eyes. 


GOLD    DUST 


185 


As  Allan  pursued  his  way  toward  the  Van  Tassel 
residence,  he  was  subdued  by  the  strength  of  his  old 
employer's  friendship  for  him,  and  under  the  inlluence 
of  the  thought  he  walked  with  bent  head,  and  with  a 
half  sad,  half  anxious  look  upon  his  handsome  face. 

He  was  not   conscious   of  any  one's  approach,  until 
Robert's  voice  arrested  his  attention. 
"Hello,  A),  where  you  going?" 

O,  I  didn't  see  you  coming.  I'm  going  to  Mr.  Van 
Tassel's. " 

"All  right,  thought   maybe    you  was   going   over   to 
the  house." 
"Not  to-day." 

"All  right,"  was  the  terse  reply,  as  Robert  hurried 
onward,  and  Allan  pursued  his  way. 

A  few  minutes  later  he  stood  in  Mrs.  Van  Tassel's 
parlor,  in  the  presence  of  other  guests  who  were  com- 
ing and  going  constantly. 

He  was  not  a  little  surprised  to  find  Jason  Waller 
among  the  number,  and  was  relieved  to  have  an  excuse 
for  coming,  so  without  any  preliminaries  he  gave  her 
the  case  of  jewels,  saying  in  a  matter-of-fact  way: 

"I'm  sent  with  this  package  for  you.  It  has  been  a 
pleasure  to  me  to  bring  it ;  hope  it  may  give  you  a 
greater  pleasure,"  then  he  would  have  taken  his  leave, 
but  was  somewhat  detained  by  the  entrance  of  others. 
"You're  in  high  feather,  young  man,"  said  Waller  in 
a  meaning  voice  stepping  to  Allan's  side.  "Hope  you 
fully  appreciate  your  importance  and  advantages." 

"I'm  not  aware  of  any  special  importance,  or  advan- 
tages: unless  it  be  in  attending  strictly  to  my  own 
affairs,"  was  the  young  man's  curt  answer,  as  with  a 
darkening  face  he  left  the  parlor. 

Allan  was  intensely  annoyed  by  the  evil  look  of 
Waller,  and  as  he  hurried  away  the  frown  upon  his  face 


■'v>m:mrmw^ 

wmmmwi^,^ 

1 

i. 

if ; 

i  ! 
i  I 


I  ■.' 


! 


i86 


GOLD    DUST 


\  r 


became  a  scowl  of  hate.  But  as  he  hurried  on  away 
from  his  hated  enemy's  presence,  happier  thoughts 
crowded  out  of  his  mind  the  unpleasant  impressions 
occasioned  by  Waller's  language,  and  the  scowl  faded 
from  his  fine  face  under  their  softening  influence,  until 
not  so  much  as  a  line  remained  between  the  frank  eye- 
brows. 


CHAPTER  XVII 

UNDER    A    SHADOW 

The  following  morning  Chicago  rang  with  the  news 
of  the  boldest  of  all  robberies  his  time  Mrs.  Van 
Tassel's  diamonds  given  her  L;.  the  day  before.  She 
had  said  not  a  word  to  anyone  about  them,  intending 
to  appear  in  them  in  all  their  glory  at  the  forthcom- 
ing ball.  After  her  guests  had  left,  she  had  gone  to 
her  room  and  there  upon  opening  her  package  given 
her  by  Allan,  had  first  discovered  the  lovely  jewels  and 
divining  her  husband's  intent  had  put  them  in  her 
jewel-case  without  even  the  knowledge  of  Iier  maid, 
to  whom  she  usually  showed  all  her  possessions.  The 
following  morning  when  she  first  discovered  her  loss, 
she  straightway  notified  the  police,  being  a  woman  of 
prompt  action,  and  they  had  set  about  making  diligent 
but  (]uiet  search. 

Yet  in  spite  of  precaution,  the  story,  somehow,  leaked 
out,  and   by  nine   o'clock   the   papers  were   full  of  the 

robbery. 

Allan  read  the  news  in  one  of  the  papers,  and  in 
some  perturbation  hurried  to  the  ofTice  of  his  employer. 
Not  finding  him  in  he  immediately  sought  the  home 
of  the  \'an  Tassel's. 

Arriving  there,  he  found  many  others  who  were  filled 


GOLD  DUST 


187 


with  curiosity  to  know  all  about  the  robbery.  But  the 
strangest  part  of  it  was  Mrs.  \'an  Tassel's  icy  compos- 
ure and  utter  disregard  of  their  frequent  queries.  She 
seemed  determined  to  lead  them  away  from  the  subject, 
and  failing  to  do  so,  at  last  requested  them  to  forebear 
further  mention  of  the  affair  for  it  was  of  little  moment 
to  her. 

Her  manner  toward  Allan  was  not  quite  as  cordial 
as  it  had  been,  but  this  he  attributed  to  her  worry  about 
the  jewels. 

As  he  rose  to  go  she  reminded  him,  however,  that 
sho  should  expect  him  to  lead  her  out  for  the  Lancers 
at  Vessage's. 

Upon  the  next  day  Allan  was  walking  rapidly  down 
State  Street,  when  he  was  abruptly  accosted  by  a  stranger 
who  told  him  that  Mr.  Van  Tassel  wanted  to  sec  him 
at  once. 

"I'll  go  round  in  a  short  time,"  answered  Allan. 

"He's  waiting  at  the  ofiice  by  this  time." 

"Tell  him  I'll  bo  there  in  a  half  hour,  must  make 
another  call  first.  Important,  or  I'd  go  right  over.  I'll 
be  there  soon."  IMuch  surprised,  Allan  hurried  on  his 
way.  At  the  appointed  time  he  stood  before  his  former 
employer's  door,  but  just  as  he  was  going  to  tu  ■  the 
knob  the  door  opened  and  Jason  Waller  came  out. 

Allan  quickly  entered  the  ofiice,  where  he  was  warmly 
greeted  by  his  old  employer  whom  he  found  restlessly 
pacing  the  floor. 

"I'm  glad  yoti've  come.  I  wanted  to  see  you,  and 
sent  for  you.  Glad  you  came  so  quickly,"  said  the  old 
man,  kindly  but  soberly. 

Allan  noticed  he  looked  worn  and  haggard,  and  kindly 

said: 

"I  came  as  cpiickly  as  I  could,  I  had  another  errand 
to  df'-  firKt.      Us'.t  wh.at  can.  I  do  for  you?" 


r  > 
!.  1 


1 


'I  i 


i  , 


I  I 


I  I 


i88 


GOLD  DUST 


"O,  it's  a  whim,  I  s'pose  it's  just  to  ask  a  few  ques- 

tions." 

"Certainly.ask  me  anything,"  quickly  answered  Allan, 
more  than  ever  mystified  by  the  unusual  earnestness  of 
Mr.  Van  Tassel's  manner. 

"Allan,  my  son,  who  was  in  Tinsel's  yesterday  when 

you  got  those  jewels?" 

"Why,  several  altogether,  I  don't  know  just  who ;  I 
have  the  impression  there  might  have  been  eight  or 
ten,  I  didn't  recognize  any  one.     Why  do  you  ask? 

"Well  it  troubles  me  about  the  thief ;  they  went  so 
mysteriously,  and  I  thought,  perhaps,  you  might  help 
us ;  some  clue,  ever  so  small,  would  help  us  out. 

"I  wish  I  could,  but  I  dcn't  remember  a  soul  that 
was  there  ;  never  remember  having  seen  one  of  them 
before  I  was  careful  to  avoid  displaying  the  jewels 
and  so  dealt  purposely  with  the  senior  Tinsel.  I  told 
him  that  you  would  report  to  him  immediately,  I  hope 

you   did    so?"  ,     r.    r         4.1, 

"Yes  yes,  I  drove  around  there  after  you  left  for  the 
house,  '  said  the  old  man  as  he  continued  his  restless 
walk  up  and  down  the  room. 

"Haven't  you  any  clue  yet?"  asked  Allan  troubled 
by  his  old  friend's  unusual  excitement. 

"Not  a  clue.  Elinor  says  'drop  it.'  She  won  t  let 
me  continue  the  search." 

••Why,  that's  strange  ;  just  so  with  my  cousin  s  wife. 
I  thought  Mrs.  Van  Tassel  was  the  first  to   inform  the 

^'°"She  did  Now  she  says  she  won't  run  him  down  ; 
and  I  won't!"  and  as  the  old  gentleman  made  the  re- 
markable statement  he  looked  keenly  and  kindly  into 
the  face  of  the  young  man.  who  saw  what  struck  h.m 
an.„b  with  astonishnunt.  a  tear  slowly  coursing  down 
his  wrinkled  check  and  his  thin  lips  convulsively  quiv 


GOLD  DUST 


189 


ering  as  lie  walked  to  the  other  end  of  the  office  and 
looked  out  of  the  window  a  few  minutes  upon  the  court 
below.  Returning  presently,  he  had  grown  calm  again, 
and  seating  himself  before  Allan  he  asked  in  the  same 
kind  tone: 

"Allan,  have  you  plenty  of  money?" 
"Nearly  all  that  you  paid  me  yesterday,"  he  answered 
promptly,  wondering  what  impelled  the  question.  But 
seeing  that  his  old  friend  was  evidently  withholding 
something,  he  said:  "Is  there  something  else  I  can 
do  for  you?" 

"No,  I  guess  not,"  was  the  hesitating  answer.  But 
as  Allan  rose  to  go  Mr.  Van  Tassel  took  his  hand  and 
said  in  an  earnest  voice  from  which  every  whit  of  its 
customary  ring  had  fled,  leaving  a  subdued  trcmulous- 
ness  that  was  as  surprising  as  it  was  new  to  Allan  : 

"My  son,  if  you  ever  need  money  come  to  me;  don't 
get  it  any  where  else,  or  I'll  never  forgive  you,  never. 
Don't  beg,  borrow  nor  steal ;  come  to  Mark  Van  Tassel ; 
while  he  has  a  cent  you    shall    have  it,"  and    he  relin- 
quished the  hand  that  he  had    been  giving    little  grips 
by  way  of  emphasis,  and  turned   abruptly  away  to  the 
window    again.      Allan    considered    the    interview  was 
over,  and  confused  by  the  unusual  display  of   emotion 
in  one  who  had  never  hinted  a  capability  of  it,  he  left 
the  ofTice  like  one  in  a  dream.     He  was  deeply  affected 
by  the  old  gentleman's  evident  interest  in  him,  and  was 
grateful  for  a  friendship  which  he  believed  to  be  hon- 
est and  disinterested.     It  was  not  until  he  had  allowed 
an  hour  or  so  to  clr.pse  to  steady  his  nerves  and  clear 
his  brain,  could  he  become  in  the  smallest  degree  ana- 
lytical.    The  result  was  startling,  to  say  the  least,  and 
so  horrible  that  he  put  the  thought  out  of  his  mind  as 
unjust    and    unworthy  his  old   friend's  generous   kind- 
ness.    If  Mr.  Van  Tassel  did  suspect  any  one  he  oijglit 


•'  i< 


;i 


p  \\ 


I  go 


GOLD  DUST 


I  I 


to  inform  the  police,  make  an  arrest,  and  give  him  a 
chance  to  clear  himself. 

So  back  he  turned  and  walked  into  the  office  again. 

Not  finding  Mr.  Van  Tassel  in,  and  being  informed 
by  the  office  boy  that  he  had  just  gone  home  tired  and 
sick,  Allan  hurried  to  the  Van  Tassel  residence,  con- 
scious only  of  the  desire  to  stand  clear  before  this  man 
whose  friendship    had   suddenly  grown    so  valuable  to 

him. 

As  he  was  shown  into  the  parlor,  he  asked  for  Mr. 
Van  Tassel  and  was  informed  that  the  master  had  not 
gotten  home,  too  early  in  the  day. 

Allan  was  about  to  leave  the  house,  when  Mrs.  Van 
Tassel  came  gliding  noiselessly  down  the  stairway,  and 
motioning  him  back  into  the  parlor,  she  seated  herself 
by  his  side  on  the  sofa  without  even  a  word.  He  could 
not  understand  the  dumb  show  of  mystery,  and  quietly 
waited  for  her  to  speak. 

"I  wanted  to  see  you,  Allan,  before  you  left,  for  now 
there's  no  one  here.  I'm  'not  at  home'  to-day  to  any 
one  else.  They  may  think  what  they  please,  the  geese! 
I  can't  be  at  their  beck  and  call  all  the  time  ;  I'm  tired 
of  the  whole  flock!" 

"I  called  to  see  your  husband,"  said  Allan,  thinking 
most  of  his  errand,  "and  the  servant  told  me  he  hadn't 
got  home  yet.  But  down  at  the  office  the  boy  told  me 
he  left  for  home  feeling  tired  and  sick." 

"Mark  sick!  Oh,  no;  he's  only  tired.  He's  up  stairs 
now,  but  the  bell-boy  don't  know  it.  Like  myself, 
Mark's  tired  of  talking  about  the  robbery.  Allan,  isn't 
it  strange?  Don't  you  think  it  strange  the  diamonds 
sliould  be  stolen  so  quickly  after  I  got  them?"  she 
asked  the  question  in  a  broken  and  flurried  voice,  anx- 
iously and  keenly  looking  into  his  face  as  though 
seeking  comfort  in  his  answer. 


GOLD    DUST 


191 


iJ. 


"Yes,  it  is  strange,  beyond  question.  It  is  of  this 
matter  1  want  to  see  your  husband.  I  don't  know 
what  to  say,  or  how  to  say  it,  but  I'll  risk  a  square 
question  in  good  English,"  and  he  smiled  brightly, 
looking  her  frankly  in  the  eyes,  to  which  she  responded 
by  a  smile  so  white,  so  anxious  that  it  seemed  but  a 
niockery,  yet  there  was  an  eager,  expectant  look  in  her 

face. 

"Do  you,  or  does  your  husband,    have  any  idea  who 

is  the  thief?"     He  purposely  emphasized  the  last  word, 

and   saw  her  wince   as    though   struck    a   heavy   blow, 

then  she  rallied  and  answered  quickly  : 

"I  don't  have  ideas;  you  must  ask  Mark  about  his," 

and  she  laughed  harshly. 

"Well,  I'll  ask  another  question.   Do  you  believe  from 

anything  you  have  seen  or  heard    hat  /have  anything 
to  do  with  the  robbery?"     He  was  not  to    be    put  off: 

but  bhe  was  ready  for  his  question,  and  rising  haughtily. 
she  said  in  a  clear  and  incisive  voice: 

"Mr.  Morton,  I  am  not  in  the  habit  of  receiving  a 
thief  as  my  honored  guest  and  friend."  But  she  did 
not  meet  his  glance;  instead,  she  continued  in  ?  more 
cheerful  voice:  "Now  drop  this  tiresome,  hateful  sub- 
ject, and  never  mention  it  to  me  again  !  Hush!  I  won't 
hear  a  word!  remember,  never  unless  I  broach  the  sub- 
ject. Stop,  I  command!"  and  thus  she  silenced  him. 
Then  with  a  true  woman's  tact  she  tried  to  put  him  at 

ease. 

She  led  him  to  talk  of  his  work  among  the  helpless 
of  the  great  city;  of  his  earlier  youth,  in  short,  of  every- 
thing that  was  of  moment  to  him.     And  thus  two  hours 

slipped  by. 

Allan  was  astonished  and  out  of  patience  with  him- 
self at  the  fliglit  of  time.  He  had  meant  to  make  his 
call  extremely  shot  I,  and  had  been  seduced  into  a  visit. 


iMJ 


iii!' 


i!     \ 


192 


GOZn    DUST 


But  in  spite  of  the  loss  of  time  his  spirits  had  risen 
remarkably  during  those  two  hours  in  the  Van  Tassel 
parlor.  He  came  feeling  fierce  and  rebellious :  he  left 
the  door  brightly  smiling  back  a  good  bye  at  his  host- 
ess, and  as  he  turned  to  descend  the  steps  Jason  Wal- 
ler passed  by,  and  must  have  heard  him  respond  in  the 
affirmative  when  Mrs.  Van  Tassel  bade  him  come  often 
as  he  used  to  do. 

After  Allan  had  left,  Mrs.  Van  Tassel  quickly,  and  with 
the  step  of  a  conqueror,  ascended  the  stairs  to  her  room 
and  without  ceremony  pounced  upon  her  husband  in 
the  most  uncompromising  way,  saying  : 

"Mark  Van  Tassel,  don't  for  heaven's  sake  make  such 
a  goose  of  yoi^rself  and  me  again  as  to  do  so  much  as 
hint  or  look  suspicious  agai.ist  tliat  man!  It's  a  crime 
against  good  sense  and  decency,  and  honor,  for  there 
is  such  a  thing  after  all." 

"Why,  Elinor!  what's  the  matter?  What's  the  rum- 
pus now?  What  d'ye  mean?  What  man?"  queried  her 
husband,  startled  almost  out  of  his  senses  by  her  vehe- 
mence. 

"O,  you  needn't  tell  me!  You've  been  as  good  as 
suspecting  Allan  of  stealing  my  diamonds.  Allan!  just  to 
think  of  it!  Oh!  of  course,  you  didn't  say  so,  in  so 
many  words  ;  better  not!  But  just  let  me  hear  a  breath 
and  I'll  make  it  hot  for  every  one  concerned!  Pretty 
friend  you  are!  Calling  him  'my  son,'  and  telling  him 
to  come  to  you  for  money,  and—" 

But  her  husband  made  no  reply.  So  getting  no  con- 
solation from  his  grim  silence  she  bounced  up  spite- 
fully, and  in  her  wrath  sent  her  chair  spinning  over 
backward  as  she  loftily  sailed  toward  the  door,  saying 
in  her  most  cutting  tones  : 

"Humph!  I  wonder  if  the  county  insane  asylum  has 


GOLD    DUST 


193 


given  up  all  its  inmates?  I'll  go  over  to    Morton's  and 
see  if  they  have  any  there." 

She  ran   down  the   stairs  and  rang    the   bell  fiercely 
for  the  servant. 

"Harness  Zip  to  the  phaeton,  quickly!     I'll   drive." 

A  short  time  after,  she  stood  at  the  door  of  Robert 
Morton's  home  in  bright  eyed  impatience.  When  the 
door  opened  she  was  informed  by  the  servant  that  Mrs. 
Morton  was  not  able  to  see  company.  Much  incensed, 
she  re-entered  her  phaeton  and  drove  hastily  away, 
muttering  to  herself  "another  lunatic."  Wherever  she 
called  that  morning  she  was  met  by  the  usual  "Oh-ings" 
and  "Ah  ings"  of  polite  society  over  her  most  serious 
loss,  "a  few  dollars  worth  of  jewelry."  Such  remarks 
as  "I  heard  Mr.  Morton  carried  the  jewels  to  you"  and 
"Young  men  are  so  fast  now  days!"  "Such  a  nice 
young  man!"  "Yes,  I  quite  liked  him,"  etc.,  to  all  of 
which  "I'inor  Van  Tassel  could  only  fume  and  fret  in- 
wardly, and  in  some  cases  give  sharp,  cutting  answers, 
that  contained  scathing  rebukes. 

Suddenly  a  bright  idea  seized  her  and  she  was  dash- 
ing in  the  direction  of  Tinsel's.  She,  no  doubt,  had  a 
very  satisfactory  interview  with  le  senior  Tinsel,  for 
when  she  drove  away  Napoleon  Bonaparte  might  well 
have  hesitated  before  daring  to  risk  an  encounter,  so 
triumphant  and  so  determined  was  the  look  on  her  face. 
*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

When  Allan  left  Mrs.  Van  Tassel's  door  he  was  an- 
noyed at  the  evil  look  with  which  Jason  Waller  con- 
fronted him,  and  still  more  so,  when  a  few  steps  further 
on  he  passed  the  Morton  carriage  and  received  but  a 
cool  bow  from  Laura,  its  only  occupant. 

Why  he  should  be  so  unreasonably  annoyed  at  these 

two  trilling   circumstances  he  could    not  tell,  but  so  it 

was.      However,  as  the  smile  iipon  his  lips  and   in  his 
13 


ill  i] 


194 


GOLD  DUST 


l>  .1  iV 


II  Ji; 


eyes  had  not  faded  out  entirely,  let  us  hope  with  him 
that  Waller  had  not  the  power  to  utterly  destroy  his 
happiness  by  an  evil  sneer;  Allan  would  let  that  pass; 
and,  as  to  Laura,  she  was  sad  with  good  reason  ;  was 
no  doubt  low-spirited.  Of  course,  he  must  call  there 
before  another  day's  end. 

On  his  way  down  town,  Allan  met  several  former 
friends  who  seemed  unable  to  give  him  the  necessary 
time  for  the  customary,  cordial  handshake,  but  instead 
passed  hastily  by  with  a  stiff  "Good  morning,  sir,"  or 
Good  day,sir,"  that  chilled  the  blood  around  his  heart  a 
little,  although  he  was  not  conscious  of  it  at  the  time. 
They'  were  a  very  busy  people  in  Chicago,  and  it  he  was 
going  to  stay  in  Chicago  he  must  be  busy  too,  else  he 
would  be  swept  aside  and  off  his  feet. 

So  he  contentedly  hurried  on,  only  half  noticing  the 
brief  and  somewhat  chary  greetings,  and  in  his  uncon- 
sciousness, admiring  the  bustling  city  for  its  business- 
like activity  that  would  not  permit  even  friends  to 
waste  their  time  in  useless  cordiality.  So  everywhere 
he  went  the  same  look  and  manner  greeted  him.  Drop- 
ping  in  at  a  young  men's  reading-room,  and  meeting 
some  of  those  w  i  th  whom  he  had  had  friendliest  exchange 
of  courtesies,  he  was  met  by  averted  looks  and  pre-oc- 

cupation. 

Little  groups  were  formed  in  various  corners  Wuo 
talked  in  low  voices,  immediately  changing  tone  and 
look  upon  his  appearance. 

He  then  walked  over  to  the  station  to  see  his  trusty 

friend  Denan. 

The  unusually  kind  greeting  of  the  policeman  warmed 
the  young  man's  heart,  and  under  its  genial  influence 
he  forgot  much  of  the  cold  formality  that  had  met  him 
in  tlie  other  pi  rices. 

Grasping  Denan's  hand,  he  said; 


GOLD    DUST 


195 


"Glad  to  see  a  man  this  morning  who  isn't  pressed 
for  time  to  answer  a  question,  or  give  a  fellow  an 
honest  greeting." 

"Chicago  is  on  the  rush  to  get  to  the  top  of  tde  heap," 
was  his  friend's  laughing  answer.  Then  a  few  words 
from  Denan  in  a  low  voice  brought  the  "boys"  who  were 
at  the  farther  end  of  the  room,  with  cordial  greetings. 
Though  Allan  did  not  feel  any  special  interest  in  the 
others,  yet  for  Denan  he  entertained  a  warm  friendship. 

"I  think  both  Robert's  wife  and  Mrs.  Van  Tassel  are 
doing  wrong  to  give  up  the  search,"  said  Allan,  as  their 
talk  quickly  drifted  toward  the  subject  of  the  robberies. 

"They  don't  realize  that  this  will  bean  inducement 
to  other  crimes;  and  some  other  person  will  not  be  as 
lenient,  but  will,  in  trying  to  save  his  property,  forfeit 
his  life.     I'd  like  to  see  the  thieves  captured." 

"You  want  to  see  justice  done,  do  you?  So  do  I," 
said  Denan, promptly.  "Women  are  too  tender  hearted. 
Wakeup  says  he  can  spot  the  thief  in  the  Morton  case 
any  minute,  and  the  robberies  are  so  much  alike  that 
to  get  one  thief  is  to  get  the  other.  But  Morton's 
wife  has  bound  her  husband  by  a  promise  not  to  con- 
tinue the  search  ;  and  Mrs.  Van  Tassel  says  she'll  set 
the  dogs  on  the  first  officer  or  detective  that  meddles," 
and  the  big  policeman  laughed  in  a  hearty  way  that 
infected  Allan  by  its  jollity.  "Do  you  know  if  the  two 
women  are  friends?"  asked  Denan,  suddenlj'. 

"I  don't  think  they  are:  that  is,  Mrs.  Morton  don't 
seem  to  take  to  Mrs.  Van  Tassel,  though  there  is  noth- 
ing marked  in  it,  for  she  is  not  over  cordial  to  any 
one;  is,  in  fact,  rather  reserved  and  cold  to  everyone, 
and  extremely  so  to  me,  at  times.  Mrs.  Van  Tassel, 
however,  only  the  other  day  declared  her  regard  for 
Mrs.  Morton.  But  they  are  not  intimate.  Laura's 
fault  I'm  sure.     Why?" 


ii" 


iili 


iil 


illli] 


jpf'^^nW.'^^SiA'ii^wrr'''-^''^'^'^''''''^^''" 


196 


GOLD  DUST 


"Why  1  asked  is  that  it  seemed  as  though  they  could 
make  it  up  between  them  to  have  nothing  done  to  save 
somebody  they  like.  You  know  women  do  queer  things, 
sometniies,  and  Mrs.  Van  Tassel  is  rich  and  a  mighty 
independent  woman." 

"Yes,  but  money  shomdn't  save  a  thief,  nor  false 
sentiment  either,"  was  Allan's  answer. 

Then  they  branched  off  on  other  subjects  of  interest. 

"Did  you  hear  the  Walton  girl  has  skipped?"  asked 

Denan.  "  .  . 

"No,  she  was  there  yesterday.  I  was  sent  there  with 
aid  for  her  mother.     I  didn't  see   her,  but  I  heard  her 

voice."  ,  .,    1  ♦! 

"Well,  she's  gone  ;  went  last  evening  while  her  mother 

was  out." 

"Have  any  idea  where  she  is  gone?    asked  Allan. 

"O,  it's  commonly  believed  among  the   police   force 
that  Waller's   spirited   her  away.     Afraid  of   his  repu- 
tation     He  needn't  be  scarf,  there  ain't  enough  of  the 
man's  reputation  to  make  it  worth  while  for  even  Nell 
Walton  to  make  any  ado  about,  except  among  a  certain 
class      She's  gone  and  I'll  bet  there'll  be  another  blow- 
out soon.    He'll  give  another  spread.  Ye  see,  she  threat- 
ened him.     Seems   as   if   she  'got  an    idea    from  some 
"white"  folks  that  she  might  reform   and    live  a  better 
life  •  guess  your  cousin's  wife  took  her  in  hand,  and  so 
Nell,  poor  thing,  thought  that  Waller  ought  to  keep  his 
promise  and  marry  he:  she  says   he  promised  long  ago 
to  marry  her  and  make  a  lady  of  her  ;  she  says  that  was 
when  he  was  a  'Christian.'     Of  course,  she's  bound  to 
make  him  keep  his  word,  she  says  it's  the  only  chance 
for  her,  or  she'll  make  it    hot  for   him.     Ob!    he  s   got 
her  fxway.     Now  about  next  Sunday  you  go  around   to 
•our  church.'  and  he'll  be  there  in  alibis  glory,  sancti- 
monious ns  a  saiut.     Hut  his  latest  go  is  an  nltrmpt  to 


i^:,:-:>>mmm»»^mmmmii'-mmmmm^9M^m^^'-^ 


GOLD  DUST 


197 


1 1 11 


get  in  with  the  laboring  class.  Don't  know  how  true 
it  is,  but  I  hear  he's  going  to  put  your  cousin  up  for 
Congress,  him  and  his  clique." 

"Impossible!  Why,  Robert  hasn't  the  first  idea  of 
American  politics,  and  ought  to  have  sense  enough  to 
keep  to  h'-  old  business,  money-making,"  answered 
Allan,  muL..  disgusted  by  the  information. 

Much  that  Dcnan  had  said  to  him  he  had  but  half 
heard.  He  had  noticed  one  remark,  "guess  your  cous- 
in's wife  took  her  in  hand,"  and  he  had  been  thinking 
of  the  pure,  strong  soul  of  the  woman  who  had  gone  so 
soon  from  the  grave  of  her  child  into  that  crime-dark- 
ened home,  and  helped  to  rescue  an  erring  sis'er.  So 
the  policeman  had  talked  on  until  his  reference  to  Rob- 
ert's running  for  Congress  struck  his  attention  and  held 
it. 

"Well,  you  have  it  as  cheap  as  1  do.  Maybe  it's 
only  a  story,  but  I  was  told  by  one  of  the  boys  at  the 
station  yesterday,  and  one  that's  good  authority,  too. 
Hoffman  told  me. " 

"O,  I  don't  believe  it,  Denan  :  it's  only  a  scheme  to 
make  money." 

"Yes,  to  make  money  ;  build  up  their  fortiines  out 
of  the  rest,"  answered  Denan,  bitterly.  "Waller  is  the 
cutest  rascal  alive,  and  if  the  hnucst,  hard-working 
classes  don't  know  him,  they  shall,  if  I  have  to  publicly 
denounce  him." 

"I'll  back  you  with  any  evidence  that  has  come  to 
my  notice,"  said  Allan.  "I  think  1  can  bring  him  to 
his  senses  in  the  Walton  case.  Her  mother  told  me 
more  than  I  cared  to  hear. " 

"Now  I  tell  you,  Morton,  I'm  y(nir  friend,  and  I  tell 
you  that  you'd  better  let  me  fix  that  business:  it's  none 
too  clean  and  he's  got  a  grudge  against  you  and  he'll 
turn  the  tables,  sure  as  preaching!    Just  you  keep  out 


i 


■rv.lr.a. 


198 


GOLD  DUST 


of  his  clutches,  or  he'll  ruin  you.  Mind!  Don't  say  a 
word  oat  loud  unless  I  tell  you.  I'll  let  you  know 
when  I  want  you.  I  want  a  chance  at  him  :  I'll  make 
him  remember  Tom  Denan,  then  I'll  die  happy!' 

"All  right,  just  as  you  say,"  said  Allan,  wondering 
at  the  strange,  dark  look  that  came  over  the  frank  face 
of  Denan  whenever  he  spoke  of  Waller.  "AH  right, 
but  it  must  be  done!  Don't  let  him  go  too  far:  that  is 
all.  There's  going  to  be  a  big  mass  meeting  down  at 
the  hall  to-night,  shall  you  be  there?" 

"Can't  to-night,  but  you  go  and  keep  me  posted. 
There's  some  mischief  on  foot.  I've  got  another  mat- 
ter to-night.  At  six,  must  meet  the  boys  at  head- 
quarters.  I've  only  got  sixty  ^  minutes,  just  while  1 
ought  to  be  eating  my  supper." 
"How  do  you  get  in?" 
"Oh!  I'm    not    Denan    then,  but  a  rabid    anarchist, 

"Risky,  isn't  it?" 

"Yes,  but  some  one's  got  to  go.  I  want  to.  I  ve 
got  a  plan  that's  going  to  bring  down  our  game,  and  I 
must  go  myself  for  fear  of  losing  some  valuable  point 
by  another's  seeing  and  not  giving  a  correct  report. 
But  I  tell  you  this  much,  that  Illardo  is  bound  to  hang 
vet  Yes,  just  him,"  seeing  Allan's  look  of  surprise. 
"He'd  just  as  lief  shoot  a  man  as  eat ;  believes  it  s  all 
right  for  anarcliy's  sake." 
"How  do  you  know  this?" 

"Why  they  had  a  meeting  down  at  the  Vcre.n  and 
their  language  was  red  enough  to  set  Chicago  on  fur. 
I  reported  promptly,  but  nothing  seeais  to  awaken  ho 
people  Why,  they  talked  of  blowing  up  some  of  tho 
biggest  places  in  the  city,  and  swore  vengeance  against 
some  of  the  most  prominent  business  mem.  They  alked 
qJ  bon,b-    d-umite.  pistols.     Now  that   Illardo  s  not 


.■■^yjmfimm«m^^»mu^^^i^»^i^^M-^s^^'i^»? 


GOLD  DUST 


199 


ignorant;  he's  well  educated  and  he's  very  smart,  but  a 
dyed-in-the-wool  anarchist,  and  he's  led  by  Jason  Wal- 
ler." 

"What!  is  Jason  Waller  an   anarchist?"  was  Allan's 

surprised  inquiry. 

"Oh !  no,  Jason  isn't  anything  in  particular,  but 
eveything  in  general,  for  money.  But  he's  got  lUardo, 
body  and  soul,  and  it's  only  in  that  way  he  can  get  him, 
by  helping  or  seeming  to  help  anarchy.  You  mind 
what  I  tell  you,  in  less  than  a  month  Chicago  will  see 
a  sight  to  test  the  strongest  nerves." 
"What  will  it  be,  do  you  think?" 
"God  knows,  and  he  don't  tell  us  except  by  signs ; 
them  are  pretty  plain  just  now." 

"You  ought  to  keep  the  chief  and  mayor  informed," 
said  Allan,  impressed  by  Denan's  words. 

"1  do;  but  Mayor  Harrison  don't  seem  to  wake  up. 
No  one  believes  it  half  as  bad  as  I  know  it  to  be;  they 
think  I'm  off.  They'll  see.  But  who  will  suffer?  The 
policemen  who  must  protect  these  same  men  against 
their  own  folly  and  stupidity,  the  police  who  must 
protect  the  city  when  the  storm  breaks,  if  they  die  for 

it." 

"I  hope  it  is  not  as  bad  as  you  fear,"  said  Allan. 
"Keep  mc  posted,  Tom,  and  don't  fail.  I'll  do  the 
same,  I'll  stand  by  you  in    the   trouble,  if    it   comes." 

Then  they  clasped  hands  and  separated. 

Turning  the  first  corner  Allan  saw  Illartlo  talking 
with  Li/ette.  He  was  sure  it  was  she;  the  same  mo- 
tion of  hand  and  head,  the  familiar  general  look  were 
hei'^.  Ho  now  bent  his  steps  toward  Robert's  house, 
believing  that  there  might  come  a  time  when  his  serv- 
ices would  be  acceptable,  and  he  wmdd  not  make  it 
unnecessarily  difficult  for  Laura,  shoidd  she  need  him, 
by  staying  away  too  Iohl;. 


It'    ! 


h 


200 


GOLD  DUST 


He  was  soon  waiting  in  the  family  parlor  at  Morton's 
with  some  nneasiness.  There  was  a  stillness,  a  sombre 
air  abont  the  place  that  became  oppressive.  He  had 
been  admitted  by  a  strange  girl,  who  went  to  inform 
her  mistress  of  his  desire  to  see  her.  He  was  soon 
relieved  by  the  appearance  of  Lanra  herself,  but  she 
was  so  haggard  and  worn,  that  he  conld  only  look 
silently  into  her  face  that  bore  the  traces  of  care  and 
sorrow.  A  tension  abont  the  mouth,  and  an  evasive, 
haunted  look  cut  him  to  the  heart. 

"Lanra,  tell  me  what  is  the  tronble,  for  1  know  some- 
thing nnusual  is  worrying  you.  Yon  are  suffering." 
Allan    forgot   his  own  small  worries  in   his   distress  at 

seeing  her. 

"Many    things,  Allan,  since  Dot    left    us,"  she  said, 

wearily. 

"Tell  me  all  about  them,"  and  giving  her  a  chair  lie 
drew  up  another  and  seated  himself  before  her. 

"What  has  kept  you  away  so  long?  That  has  wor- 
ried  me  a  little,"  she  said,  with  a   little  quiver  of   her 

lips. 

"I  have  been  very  busy,  and  I  tliought  that  yon  did 

not  need  me,"  he  answered,  quickly. 

"I  do  need  some  one  often,"  she  answered,  a  trifle 
bitterly.     "It  would  be  different  if    Robert  were    more 

responsible." 

"Robert!  is  he  less  responsible  than  formerly?" 

Laura  hesitated  a  moment  before  replying,  then  with 
sudden  eiu^rgy  said,  as  she  quickly  rose  to  her  feet: 

"Come  and  see  for  yourself,"  and  she  led  the  way  to 
the  library  and  there,  lying  across  the  table  was  his 
cousin.  On  the  table  was  an  almost  empty  decanter 
which  Allan  discovered  had  contained  mixed  wines. 

"Wlio  has  been  here  with  him?"  he  asked  Laura. 


.»^.6^v*s«W«!S#»f,aW!W*«SSiM*^»**WKi!*«^ 


GOLD  DUST 


201 


"Jason   Waller.     Who   else?"  she   answered  with   a 

sneer. 

"Does  this  thing  happen  very  often?" 

"Very  often,  indeed!"  then  she  startled  him  by  lock- 
ing the  door.  Returning  to  his  side,  where  as  they 
stood  they  could  look  directly  upon  the  red,  bloated 
face  of  the  sleeper,  she  said  with  the  passion  of  des- 
pair, pointing  her  finger  toward  her  husband: 

"This,  this  is  what  I  sold  myself  for  long  ago!  This 
is  what  I  took  in  exchange  for  hope,  happiness,  every- 
thing! Am  I  not  well  punished  for  my  perfidy?  You 
do  not  answer.  Are  you  enjoying  the  exhibition  of  my 
honors,  the  wife  of  a  drunkard,  and  worse?  I  could 
not  forgive  you  that  once,  long  ago,  you  took  too  much 
wine,  though  he  triumphantly  told  me  after  it  was  too 
late  that  his  hand  mixed  the  drink.  I  must  continue 
to  submit    and    endure  while    that  man  is    steeped    in 

whisky!" 

"Your  eyes  were  dazzled  by  his  money  then.  But 
let  us  talk  no  more  of  these  things.  Let  us  forget  them, " 
he  answered,  kindly. 

"Yes,  yes,  my  eyes  were  filled  with  gold  dust,"  she 
answered,  not  heeding  his  closing  remark.  "But  it  drove 
me  wild  then,  that  yoTi  should  fall  to  the  level  which 
that  man  occupies  both  by  habit  and  nature.  I  have 
discoviMcd,  to  my  sorrow,  that  he  had  not  far  to  fall; 
you  would  have  traversed  unparalleled  distances  in  the 
descent  to  have  reached  the  depth  of  his  degradation. 
Oh.  no,  he  had  not  far  to  fall!" 

"What,  is  there  more  than  this— intemperance?" 
asked  Allan,  in  surprise. 

"More  than  this?"  she  re-iterated,  vchcnuMiily,  "this 
is  not  half!  Under  the  influence  of  whiskey  a  man 
will  commit  any  crime  in  the  calendar." 


i 


I  'li 


"I 

:\h\ 


C-T''^'fr""'ffl*i''"^'"-' 


202 


GOLD    DUST 


II 


i:r.ll!l 
iiiii 


"Come;  let's  go  out  of  this;  it  isn't  a  fit  place  for 
you,"  and  he  turned  to  leave  the  spot. 

"I  have  to  endure  it.  I  had  my  choice,  and  choos- 
ing that  thing,  must  abide  by  my  folly!  Oh,  I  ought 
to  love,  honor,  and  obey  him!"  and  she  laughed  a  hol- 
low, mocking  laugh  that  chilled  the  blood  in  her  list- 
ener's veins. 

He  believed  her  mind  was  giving  way. 

"Come  out  of  this  room,  any  way;  the  air  is  not  fit 
to  breathe,"  said  he,  moving  nearer  the  door.     "Where 

is  the  key?" 

"O,  I  have  it.  I  did  not  choose  to  let  the  servants 
share' in  my  honors,"  she  replied,  with   another   harsh 

laugh. 

He  did  not  answer,  except  to  take  the  key  from  her 
hand  and  unlock  the  door.  Seeing  that  she  was  ex- 
tremely pale  he  motioned  her  to  precede  him.  Like 
a  little  child  she  obeyed  him,  and  they  went  to  the 
parlor.  Fearing  that  she  was  really  ill,  he  prevailed  up- 
on her  to  go  to  her  room. 

Upon  inquiry  he  learned  that  Nettie  had  taken  Una 
upon  a  visit  to  Helen's,  so  he  dispatched  a  servant 
for  Mrs.  Bassett,  after  which  he  went  for  a  doctor. 
He  was  soon  back  and  was  met  by  the  terrified  girl 
who  had  first  admitted  him  to  the  house,  and  who  now 
told  him  that  her  mistress  was  dying. 

Without  hesitation  he  followed  the  girl  and  found 
Laura  lying  in  a  semi-conscious  state,  from  which  she 
partly  roused  when  he  spoke  to  her,  and  muttered  in 
her  delirium,  "I'm  true,  living  or  dead.  He's  drunk! 
A  v"  mkard'svvife!  My  jewels  gone!  Who  stole  my 
jewels?  Allan?  No,  no!  dead,  dead,  living  or  dead. 
Gold!  gold!  that's  what  I  got!  Dot  dead,  no,  Dot's 
gleuping.      I'll  be  tnu'  living  or  dead!" 

VVilira  heavy  dread  in  his    heart,  Allan    listened    to 


.  ..m^0^^f^ii^M!imMMi>mm>l 


GOLD  DUST 


203 


her  wanderings,  as  she  tossed  from  side  to  side  upon 
her  pillow,  and  was  glad  when  Iier  parents,  followed 
by  the  physician,  entered  the  looni. 

After  making  a  few  inquiries  which  Allan  alone  could 
answer,  the  doctor  hastily  diagnosed  the  case,  shaking 
his  head  gravely  over  its  complications,  and  hinting 
at  brain  difficulty  aggravated  by  a  sudden  shock. 

Allan  left  the  room  reluctantly,  promising  to  come 
early  the  following  morning  to  render  any  assistance 
that  might  be  acceptable. 

As  he  stood  by  her  bedside  he  again  caught  his 
name  and  heard  her  mutter  :  "Steal?  Never!  no  hope, 
no  happiness!  Gold!  Gold!  They  shall  never  know! 
Allan  a  thief?     Never!" 

Her  mutterings    furnished  a  clew  to   the    mystery  of 
her  late  conduct  toward  him.      Her  manner   had    been 
cold,  distant,  and  full  of  anxiety.      The  secret  was  out. 
She  had  connected    the    loss  of   lier   jewels  with    him. 
Why  had  he  not  thought  of  that  before?     In   her  deli- 
rium she  had  vowed  to  keep  it  a  secret.      In  Ik  r  loyalty 
she  might  not  have  hinted  it  to   anyone  rise;  but  now 
when  she  could  not  control  the  wandering  tongue,  her 
attendants  must  gain  a  knowledge  of  this,  and  share  in 
her  suspicions,  if  indeed,  they  had  not  done  so  already, 
and    he  would    be    under    the    suspicion    of    the  whole 
family,  including  Robert,  his  enemy. 

He  saw  that  Robert  was  sleeping  heavily  and  would 
continue  to  do  so  for  hours,  so  t'^at  he  could  be  of  no 
help  all  that  night  nor  the  next  day,  perhaps.  He 
knew  that  'his  presence  was  necessary  elsewhere  that 
evening,  so    he  could    not    return    until  the    following 

day. 

He  lingered  a  short  time  in  the  parlor,  loath  to  leave 
the  house  until  he  again  saw  the  physician,  who  told 
him  lliat  Mrs.  Morton  was  sleeping  and  would  no  doubt 


.     ! 


■'      1 


li  J^i[^'iii5a.*a;Sa&iE>:« 


204 


GOLD    DUST 


be  better  in  the  morning.     Greatly  relieved  Allan  hur- 
ried  away. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

IN  THE  SLOUGH  OF  DESPOND 

As  Allan  left  the  honse,  he  hnrried  to  his  room  and 
found  a  letter  marked  "Important,"  from  Denan,  telling 
him  to  call  around  as  soon  as  possible. 

A  half  hour  after  as  he  stood  before  his  friend  he 
was  surprised  to  see  him  evidently  laboring  under 
great  excitement. 

"Well,  Denan,  what's  up?     I  got  your  letter. 

"Morton,  I've  got  something  to  tell  you;  it  cuts  me 
to  the  lieart  to  have  to  do  it,  but  it  had  bettter  come 
from  me  than  a  stranger,"  answered  the  policeman, 
grasping  his  hand  warmly,  and  looking  kindly  into  his 

eyes.  .    ,  •. 

"What  is  it,  Tom?     I  guess  I  can  bear  it  from  you, 
said  Allan,  in  a  re-assuring  voice,  though  his  heart  gave 
a  thump  that  nearly  took  his  breath. 

"Well,  it  seems  Waller,  the  scoundrel,  has  been  slur- 
ring you  with  regard  to  Mrs.  Van  Tassel's  jewels  and 
Mrs  Morton's  also.  He  don't  say  anything  definite, 
iust  hints  and  slurs,  and  it's  gaining  ground,  too.  Mor- 
ton, I  hate  to  tell  you,  but  you'll  have  to  hear  it  from 
some  one,  and  I  want  you  to  keep  your  wits  --^  '0^;t  30u. 

"You  are  sure  that  Waller  is  the  one?"  asked  Allan, 

'  Yes,  he's  the  man."     Denan  was  surprised  at  Allan's 

coolness. 

"When  did  you  hear  it  first?" 

"Yesterday.     Ye  see,  in  the  case  of   the  Van  Tassel 


^k4^^is^i^l^:^m'»s*SMm'iwmi^p^^M*$M^ 


GOLD    DUST 


205 


jewels,  you  took  them  to  her  and  she  didn't  let  a  soul 
know  she  had  'cm  beside  you  and  her  husband.  Some- 
how it's  leaked  out.  We  went  to  see  old  'Van' and  he 
says  it's  all  a  lie,  and  he'll  prosecute  Waller.  Mrs.  Van 
laughs,  though  she  looks  so  mad,  and  says  she's  got  a 
"surprise  for  all  hands  and  will  serve  it  up  at  the  ball 
at  Vessage's. " 

"Does  she  hint  what  it  is?" 

"Not  a   hint;    but  she's   cute.     That   ball  comes  off 

next  week. " 

"Yes,  I  believe  so.  1  don't  keep  much  track  of  such 
things  now,  though  I  used  to  like  parties  and  dancing 
well  enough,"  answered  Allan,  moodily. 

"Well,  now  I  tell  you,  Morton,  you'd  beter  keep  in 
with  your  friends,  the  Van  Tassels.  They're  solid, 
and  a  man  can't  tell  how  soon  he  may  need  friends." 

"You  talk  strangely,  Tom;  what  has  occurred  to  make 
you  take  such  a  gloomy  view  of  life?" 

"Oh!  many  things.  That  Waller  and  all  his  crowd 
are  getting  solid  with  the  very  class  that  we'd  like  to 
help,  and  they'll  run  against  us  some  day.  lie  was 
down  at  the  hall  yesterday,  after  I  saw  you,  and  he 
harangued  the  boys  upon  keeping  a  brisk  watch  of  the 
reds.  Yet,  I  know  that  he's  in  with  them  anarchists. 
He's  playing  a  double  game,  and  through  his  men  he 
can  carry  it  on  a  good  while  yet,  in  spite  of  us.  He's 
your  worst  enemy. " 

"Denan,  do  you  think  that  I  stole  tlie   jewels?     An- 
swer me  point-blank,"  asked  Allan, suddenly  facing  him. 
"No,  1  ''■    ^'t!"  shouted  his  friend,  "I  never  thought 
SO." 

"Then  what  shall  I  do?" 

"Nothing,  nothing  at  all,  until  some  one  else  does 
something.  If  there's  nothing  done—"  something 
choked  Denan,  and  he  coughed. 


Il»l 


J"  11 


if 


2o6 


GOLD    DUST 


"No  arrests  mad^-,  I  suppose  you  mean,"  put  in  Allan, 

^"■Yes,  no  arrests  made,  time  will  prove.  Meantime, 
I'm  going  to  work  on  the  case  myself,  in  spite  of  them 
foolish  women,-  declared  Denan,  emphatically. 

"Yes,  foolish  and  no  mistake!  Their  toolishness 
gives  me  no  chance  to  clear  myself,"  replied  Allan,  bit- 
terly. , 

"Morton,  tell  me  all  about  the  affair  as  far  as  you 
know  it;  I've  never  heard  it  yet,"  said  the  officer,  as 
though  a  bright  idea  had  struck  him. 

It  took  him  but  a  short  time  to  go  over  each  case  as 
far  as  he  knew  about  them.  His  listener  took  notes 
of  the  facts  as  fast  as  he  related  them,  and  at  the  con- 
clusion, putting  on  a  more  cheerful  look  he  said  lightly: 
"It's  plain  enough  to  me  that  Allan  Morton  isn't  the 
thief ;  guess  they'll  have  to  look  somewhere  else,  though 
it  won't  create  quite  so  much  of  a  sensation,"  and  he 
laughed  in  a  grim  way,  that  had  no  pleasure  in  it. 

"There's  no  doubt  that  some  one  is  working  against 
me,  though,"  responded  Allan, "for  wherever  I  go,  every- 
one lacks  the  cordiality  that  was  manifest  before." 

"Well  you  just  go  on  and  don't  mind.  Ace  as  for- 
merly, and  we'll  see  if  Jason  Waller  is  going  to  run 
everything  in  Chicago," and  thefiercelooksof  the  police- 
man's  eyes  convinced  Allan  that  he  would  not  want  him 

as  an  enemy. 

"You  remember,  do  not  let  on,  no  matter  what  you 
see  or  hear.  There  is  one  against  you,  and  it  all  de- 
pends whether  they  find  a  weak  spot  in  your  coat;  if 
they  do,  vou  are  lost." 

Then  they  parted  to  go,  one  to  the  east  and  one  to 
the  west,  so  to  say,  for   their  missions  lay  as  far  apart 


as 


the  rising  and  setting  of  the  sun. 


!fesei««*^i«*is»^*-^se*^^#;^»<&*,«:»Wid«si^s*^ 


as 


GOLD    DUST 


207 


All  the  first  part  of  the  night  Laura  continued  to 
talk  incoherently,  and  her  language  furnished  to  her 
attendants  a  clue  to  her  recent  mental  disturbances.  It 
was  fortunate  for  all  concerned  that  only  her  nearest 
friends  were  by  her  beaside.  About  midnight  she  be- 
came quieter  and  sank  into  a  disturbed  sleep  that  lasted 
several  hours,  from  which  she  awoke  clear,  though  very 

weak  and  ill. 

Of  this  Allan  was  told  by  the  servant  who  had  met 
him,  when  he  called  the  next  morning.  He  was  glad 
to  hear  even  so  favorable  a  report  of  her  case.  He 
lingered  a  short  time  in  the  parlor,  hoping  to  get  some- 
thing definite  concerning  her,  but  as  he  could  see  none 
of  the  family,  he  left  and  was  hurrying  down  the  steps 
when  Mr.  Bassett  came  around  the  corner  of  the  house 
and  said,  briskly: 

"Mr.  Morton,  will  you  come  down  to  the  barn?  I 
want  to  show  you  something  in  the  way  of  horses." 

"I  can't  this  morning  :  am  pressed  for  time  ;  another 
day  I'll  be  glad  to,"  said  Allan,  wondering  what  new 
whim  possessed  Mr.  Bassett,  who   had  never  taken    to 

him  kindly. 

"I  guess  you  can.  This  horse  is  an  uncommonly 
interesting  critter,  and  you'd  better  come  ;  aiiother  day 
won't  do,"  urged   the   old    man,  with  a  sagacious  look 

in  his  eyes. 

Allan  saw  that  there  was  a  hidden  meaning  in  his 
request,  and  half  smiling,  he  signified    his  willingness 

to  go  with  him. 

"Now,  Mr.  Morton,"  said  he,  as  he  closed  the  barn 
door  and  led  the  way  to  a  distant  corner  and  faced  his 
companion  abruptly,  "I  just  want  to  say  a  few  words 
to  you  without  no  circumlocution  or  round-about  non- 
sense.   1  f  you  know  anything  about  whu      oubles  Laura 


M, 


'I 


)1 


^.'■jif    '~< . , 


208 


GOLD    DUST 


•■■X  and 


and  don't  do  your  share  to   hender  it,  yer  an 
out  scoundrel,  so  you  are!" 

As  the  old  man  paused  for  an  answer,  Allan  wnose 
amazement  began  to"  give  way  to  anger,  said  in  a  voice 

full  of  disgust : 

"You  don't  imagine  that  I  mean  10  take  upon  myselt 
any  blame  for  your  daughter's  illness,  do  you?  Go 
into  the  library  and  see  the  cause  of  the  shame  and 
sorrow  whi^'n  your  choice  has  brought  upon  her,  and 
which  has  worn  her  out." 

"I  know  all  'bout  Bob,  the  skunk.  But  where's  them 
jewels  o'  hern?  who  stole  'em?" 

"You  know  as  well  as  I  do,"  answered  Allan,  sternly  ; 
"if  that's  all  you  have  to  tell  me  I'll  go." 

"What  yer  hangin'  round  these  parts  fer?  Yer  know 
yer  only  makin'  trouble,"  demanded  the  irate  old  man. 
"You  made  the  trouble  years  ago  by  selling  your 
daughter  for  money.  She  got  the  money,  now  she  has 
the  man.  And  let  me  tell  you  that  if  you  w^re  not  an 
old   man,  I  would    settle  v    -.  you    or   yom    aisulting 

language." 

Both  men  were  in  a  white  heat  by  this  time. 

"What  business  is  it  o'  yourn,  Al  Morton,  who  my 
daughter  married  s'long  as  she  didn't  marry  you?  What 
did  yer  follow  her  here  fer?" 

"•  came  here  first  by  several  weeks,  and  am  free  to 
remain  here  as  long  as  I  see  fit."  __ 

-Unless  the  constable    lugs   you  o«   to   jail!     roared 
the  old   man,  almost   beside   himself   with   rage.     'Ye 
done  'nough   mischief;  ye've    been  the  pest  o'  her  life 
so  ye  havc'nd  you  ain't  got  manliness  'nough  to  go  on  off 
about  your  business  and  let  her  be.     Shame  on  ye,  ye 

white  livered  cur!" 

Allan  saw  his  disadvantage,  and  Mr,  Bassett's  chance 
to  make  a  case  against   him.     Stung   to   death   at  the 


GOLD    DUST 


209 


insulting  abuse,  he  turned  and  without  a  word  left  the 
barn,  and  hurried  away  from  the  stinging  taunts  of  his 
accuser's  following  voice. 

He  wa?  now  convinced  that  the  whole  family  shared 
in  Laura's  distrust,  and  now  that  she  was  better  he 
would  stay  away  from  the  house.  So  with  gloomy  fore- 
bodings he  hurried  away  from  the  scenes  of  his  humili- 
ations. Again  as  on  the  day  previous,  wherever  he 
went  he  met  the  averted  face,  or  brief  nod  and  crisp 
speech  of  former  friends. 

Convinced  that  matters  were  reaching  a  climax,  he 
concluded  to  call  once  more  on  his  oil  employer, but 
upon  doing  so  found  to  his  disappointnent  that  he  was 
out  of  town  and  would  be  absent  sever;!  days.  Wher- 
ever he  went  he  met  coolness  and  distruFt.  He  decided 
to  give  up  trying  to  face  the  world  as  ai  innocent  man, 
and  to  keep  away  from  those  who   evidently  lost  faith 

in  him. 

"One  is  always  welcome  at  home,"  he  muttered,  bit- 
terly as  he  entered  his  room  a  few  mini  "es  later,  and 
looking  about  him  thought  how  desolate  a  home  it  was, 
compared  to  the  one  that  his  cousin  had  the  power  to 
make  a  paradise  instead  of  the  prison  it  was.  As  he 
advanced  toward  the  centre  of  the  room  he  saw  a  letter 
lying  upon  the  table.  Hastily  opening  it  he  read  as 
follows : 

"Mr,  Morton:  A^;  n  friend,  I  am  v/riting  you  to  help 
you  and  save  you  tro  e.  If  you  want  to  avoid  the 
shame  of  being  asked  to  resign  your  place  in  the  'Aides,' 
withdraw  upon  some  pretext  at  the  next  meeting.  Ru- 
mor has  it  that  certain  reports  connected  with  missing 
diamonds  and  the  fair  owners  thereof  are  the  reasons. " 
(Signed)  "A  Friend. 

Sick  at  heart  Allan  read  and   re-read  the  anonymous 
epistle,  and  sitting  alone  in  his  cheerless  room  that  he 
H 


!§*■ 


I'lK 


m 


'■^^sf*; 


l^^&jjBB^MlM'^J^^^«'W"^**'*' 


,,„  GOLD    DUST 

had  occupied  but  a  few  days,  he  thought  with  gloomy 
foreboding  of  the  chances  against  him.  _ 

That  was  perhaps  the  blackest  hour  of  Allan  s  life, 
and  he  had  seen  many,  for  he  felt  that  public  opinion 
had  branded  him  a  thief  without  giving  him  chance  to 
clear  himself,  and  he  was  powerless  to  act  even  m  self- 

defense.  ,  .  r 

To  leave  the  city  he  dared  not;  that  would  confirm 
suspicion.  No,  he  would  remain  and  prepare  to  act 
on  the  defensive  should  anything  come  of  this  growing 

distrust.  ,  .  J 

Allan  had  little  ready  money,  for  in   his  zeal  to  aid 
others  he    had    given  up   a  good    position  in  Mr.  Van 
Tassel's  office  as  private  secretary.      He  might  become 
re-instated,  but  perhaps  the  old  gentleman  had  shared 
in  the  public  distrust ;    and    he    hated    the  thought  of 
returning  to  his  employer  disheartened  and  penniless. 
He  had  paid  for  the  month  and  had  yet  three  weeks  to 
stay.     A  small  sum  of  money  must  keep  him  until  he 
could    get  work,  for    he  must  resign  his    place  m    the 
"Aides"  upon  the  next  evening  ;    it  might  be  a  prema- 
ture thing  to  do,  but  he  was  sick  at  heart  and  desper^ 

A  sleepless  night  left  him  haggard  and  care-worn, 
yet  filled  with  restlessness  and  anxiety  to  know  liow 
Laura  was.  and  eager  to  read  his  fate  in  the  faces  of 
his  whilom  friends,  he  started  out. 

The  warm,  bright  sunlight  cheered  ami  brightened 
the  earth  and  the  fresh  air  revived  his  drooping  spirits. 
Almost  the  first  person  he  met  wa5.  his  cousin.  He 
would  have  passed  him  with  a  formal  good-morning,  but 
Robert  stopped  him  by  saying  in  a  domineering  way: 

"•Old  hon!  I  want  a  word  with  you  ;  it  miglit  has  well 
be  said  now  has  any  time." 

"Very  well;  I'll  listen,"  said  Allan. 


GOLD    DUST 


211 


'4 


"You  went  over  to  the  'ouse  yesterday,  hand  made 
yourself  altogether  too  fresh  about  my  affairs." 

"You  are  mistaken, sir  ;  I'm  not  in  the  habit  of  taking 
liberties  of  any  kind  ;  neither  do  I  permit  them.  Good 
morning,sir,"  and  Allan  stepped  away  from  his  cousin's 
side. 

'"Old  on,  sir,  you  can't  go  until  I  give  you  a  piece  of 
my  mind!"  putting  himself  in  Allan's  path  in  a  menac- 
ing attitude.  "You're  too  halmighty  fresh,  and  I  want 
you  to  stay  away  from  my  'ouse,  d'ye  hear?" 

"I  hear,  and  now  clear  the  way,"  and  Allan's  gleam- 
ing eyes  and  set  teeth  convinced  his  cousin  that  his 
blood  was  up,  so  he  stepped  aside.  Yet  the  moment 
Allan  had  passed  he  shouted  after  him  : 

"O,  d— n  you!  I'll  spoil  your  beauty  for  you.  If 
you  wasn't  my  cousin  I'd  send  you  to  jail!"  The  next 
instant  he  lay  sprawling  in  the  dust. 

Allan  had  passed  on,  but  heard  his   last   shout  more 
distinctly  than  the  one  to  "spoil  his  beauty."     He  had 
not   hurried    away   from    his   tormentor;    instead,    had 
walked  leisurely  enough,  so  as  to  be  able  to  catch  his 
meaning.      He  was  satisfied  that  Robert  meant  to  brand 
him  a  tliicf.     Of  what  other  crimes  he  accused  him  he 
could  not  tell.     So  when  the  threat  struck   his  car  the 
hot  blood  leaped  to  his  brain,  and  with  a  bound  he  had 
brought  his  clenched  list  under  Robert's  jaw  and  sent 
him    rolling    in    the   dust,  where   he  lay  shouting    the 
most  brutal    threats  and  vilest   epithets.     Against   his 
cousin  Allan  felt  the  old  enmity  filling   his   heart  as  it 
had  done  in  former  years.     So  great  was  his  desire  to 
return  and  choke  tiu;  breath  out  of  him  that  it  was  with 
difluulty  he  continued  his  course. 

To  Allan  it  was  now  obvious  that  Robert  had  been 
present  dtiring  Laura's  delirium,  and  thus  had  goltm 
ins  impressions   by  licr  disconnected   revelations.    Of 


% 


i'l 


I 


J'_„. 


T-J'  '!#"■  i*'-^"S''-^-'*T"^*  -'  ■ 


212  GOLD    DUST 

this  he  was  certain,  because  in  that  way  alone  had  her 
father  been  influenced  against  him  :  the  old  man  had 
upon  the  evening  of  the  examination  of  the  servants  by 
the  detective  plainly  suspected  Lizette.  Such  indeed 
was  the  case  with  Mr.  Bassett ;  such  was  not  the  case 

with  Robert.  , 

He  had  just  come  from  a  confidential  talk  with  jason 
Waller   by  whom   he  was   furnished   with  "undeniuble 
proofs  of  Allan's  guilt. "     After  he  had  sworn  solemnly 
not  to  divulge  the  name  of  his  informer  he  was  advised 
to  "run  him  out  of  town,"  as  the  best  means  of   secur- 
ing freedom  from  further  raids,  and  also  of  preserving 
the  unsullied  lustre  of  his,  Robert's,  own  good  name. 
Robert  was  further  informed.quite  confidentially,that 
Allan  was  a  frequent  visitor  at  the  rooms  of  Mrs.  Wal- 
ton who  had  a  handsome,  unprincipled  daugnter.     She 
had    recently  disappeared,    perhaps   Allan    could    tell 

where.  .,-.    i       r 

Robert  was   further   made   aware   of   the   attitude  of 
certain  clubs  and  societies  toward  Allan,  and  the  dc  serv- 
cdly  unpopular  situation  of  the  handsome  young  villain. 
In  great  cnnfidence,  and  warming  to  his  subject  under 
the  stimuhiting  efffcts  of  good  port  wine  and    the  flat- 
tering aciuiescense  of  his  listener,  Waller,  as  a  friend, 
talked  of  Robert's  business  and  importance  in  the  best 
circles  and  of  the  immense  responsibility  he  must  feel 
protecting  himself  from  everything  that  might  lead  to 
the   destruction    of    that    interest.     He   could    see   the 
necessity  of   keeping    a  clear   record    in    order   to   rise 
creditably  in  public  life.     A  clear  family  name  was  the 
best  pass  port  to  good   society.     Chicago,  in   spite  of 
her    rapid    growth    and   western    location,  was   a  city 
strongly  marked    by   caste.     Of    course,  Robert    knew 
what  that  meant  to  a  man  of  his   lofty  aims  and  aspi- 
vntions,  abilities,  and  tastes. 


m 


GOLD  DUST 


213 


Small  things  were  of  the  least  possible  importance 
to  him,  Robert  Morton,  and  so  after  a  few  more  glasses 
of  wine,  a  few  more  doses  of  flattery  skillfully  admin- 
istered, there  followed  a  little  business  as  a  side  issue, 
during  which  Robert  being  very  much  inflated  with 
wine  and  egotism  signed  another  paper  that  was  cov- 
ered with,  to  him,  incomprehensible  characters,  but 
which  his  faithful  friend  Jason  Waller  was  sure  would 
bring  him,  Robert,  money  and  honors. 

Then  to  the  satisfaction  of  Waller,  who  had  no  more 
use  for  him,  Robert  left,  strongly  determined  to  see  "Al, 
and  run  'im  hout  of  town,"  a  feat  which  he  was  destined 
to  undertake  very  speedily;  we  have  seen  how  he  suc- 
ceeded that  morning. 


:li 


ill 


CHAPTER  XIX 

TRUE    FRIENDS 

All  the  elite  were  out  again  in  full  feather  upon  the 
night  of  the  ball  at  Vessage's.  Inside  the  spacious 
mansion,  bright  lights,  exquisite  music,  choice  exotics, 
rich  furnishings,  made  a  "setting"  for  the  crowd  of  lav- 
ishly dressed  or  undressed  belles  and  tlnnr  elaborately 
suited  or  non  suited  escorts. 

It  was  a  Utile  late  when  the  \'iin  Tassel  carriage  drove 
up  to  the  scene  of  mirth  and  revelry.  But  then  Mrs. 
Van  Tassel  never  did  hurry  to  a  ball,  and  she  did  not 
see  fit  to  depart  from  her  custom,  just  to  appease  the 
appetite  of  Damo  Ruim)r  and  her  court.  She  knew  they 
would  be  there,  every  one  of  them,  and  she  knew  to  a 
jot  how  they  would  occupy  much  of  tlieir  time  between 
the  dances,  forming  little  clitpies  to  talk  up  the  last 
luscious  bit  of  gossip,  the  loss  of  the  Van  Tuasel  dia- 
monds. 


HI 

1 


214 


GOLD  DUST 


She  had  managed  it  about  the   invitation  for  Allan 
Spiteful  wretch,  that  Mrs.  Vessage,  to  cut  him  without 
an'  invitation  to  her  partyl     But  she  had  adroitly  man 
aged  it  all;  and  three  days  before,  a  card  with  a  Ic  te 
of  regrets  that  his  name  had  been  overlooked   reached 
AUan'who  tossed  it  impatiently  aside,  and  meant  never 
to  acknowledge  it  either  in  person  or  by  card. 

But  Mrs.  Van  Tassel  had  expected  this,  and  pursued 
him  for  four  blocks  that  very  day  before  the  ball,  and 
when  at  last  he  paused  long  enough  for  her  to  over- 
take him,  she  took  him  into  her  phaeton,  and  earned 
him  ofl  home  with  her,  upon  the  pretext  of  wanting 
his  help  in  planning  a  surprise  for  Mark. 

Once  home,  in  her  own  parlor,  she  unceremoniously 
demanded  the  cause  of  his  long  ^^^^'.""^^^ 
days  ;  of  his  lean,  white  appearance  and   his   plans  for 

''Iflan  "ould  not  evade  the  strong-willed  woman  who 
so  ruthlessly  trampled  upon  his  reserve.     With  a    rue 
woman's  tact  she  ordered  a  generous  lunch   spread   in 
her  private  parlor,  declaring  that  sh.  was  as  hungry  as 
a  wo'lf- and  denying  herself  to  callers,  the  two   had  a 
long,  uninterrupted  talk.     Over  a   tlurd   cup  of   co«ee 
All    1  unburdened  his  heavy  heart  toh.s  generous  fnend 
who  more  Hum  once  dashed    the   tears   from  gleam  ng 
"  es.  and  with  her  clinciied  list  made  the  pretty  d.shes 
on    the    luncl>    table    dance    in    her  fierce   vehemence, 
when  he  told  her  of  Waller's  connection  with  his  trou- 

^'^••h's  the  most  diabolical  ph-t  that  ever  Satan  invent- 
cd'"  she  hissed  between  her  teeth  as  he  concluded  h.a 
story.  "Now  there's  one  tiling  for  you  to  do,  and  she 
patised,  "you  must  go^  to-that-ball." 

"Impossible!"  he  answered. 

"You  must  go,  and  with  us,  Mark  and  me. 


liiMimMMiMMKMiMMiM 


GOLD  DUST 


215 


"No,  no,  Mrs.  Van  Tassel ;  I've  no  right  to  humiliate 
you,  and  you  will  be  sorry  if  you  take  Allan  Morton, 
the  suspected  diamond  thief,  to  the  Vessage  ball." 

"Fiddlesticks!  Allan,  don't  make  this  thing  unnec- 
essarily hard.  Help  me  to  help  yourself.  Do  as  I 
want  and  the  way  is  all  clear.  I'm  a  few  years  older 
than  you,  and  Mark  is  many.  Mark  Van  Tassel  is  my 
husband;  what  he  bays  is  right  and  proper,  even  you 
can't  question  it.  We  shall  call  for  you.  Mark  isn't 
feeling  very  well,  I  believe  he's  pining  for  his  secre- 
tary;  it  was  a  downright  cruelty  for  you  to  leave  him. 
But  if  he  isn't  able  to  go,  I'll  send  for  my  brother  in 
Milwaukee.     We'll  call  for  you,  at  what  hour?" 

"Not  until  late,  if  I  mus'^  go;    I  must   be  at  another 
place  until  ten  at  least." 

"Important?"  she  asked,  eyeing  him  keenly. 

"Yes,  very;  it  could  not  be  more    so,"  he  answered, 

gravely. 

She  wondered  at  the  importance  of  an  engagement, 
*o  a  man  who  was  out  of  business,  almost  friendless 
and  cast  down  to  the  depths  of  despair.  But  she  did 
not  seek  to  solve  the  mystery  by  questions.  In  con- 
clusion, after  waiting  to  see  if  he  would  explain  why 
so  important  his  next  evening's  engagement,  she  asked, 

briskly : 

"Where  shall  I  find  you?" 

"Where?"  he  echoed,  dubiously. 

"Allan,  come  here;  then  I'll  be  sure  of  you." 

"Will  nothing  convince  you  that  it  is  a  rash  charity 
to  take  me  with  you?" 

"Nonsense!  don't  you  see  I'll  get  a  good  partner  for 
one  good  whirl;  otherwise,  I'll  have  to  waltz  with  sticks 
and  poodles.  O,  I'm  nothing,  if  not  politic,"  and  she 
laughed  triumphantly. 

Shortly  afterward  AHh"  took  las   luave.     That  same 


i|\| 


■j  I 


n 


fi 


2l6 


GOLD  DUST 


evening  a  note  was  sent  to  him  requesting  him  to  call 
on  Mark  Van  Tassel,  at  his  office.  The  following 
morning  at  an  early  hour  he  presented  himself  at  the 
familiar  door  and  was  soon  standing  before  his  old  em- 
ployer. He  was  surprised  to  see  him  looking  worn 
and  ill,  and  upon  inquiry  regarding  his  health,  the  old 
man  with  a  wistful  smile  strangely  in  contrast  with  his 
former  brisk  cheerfulness,  extended  his    hand    eagerly, 

saying: 

*T    guess   you'll  have  to  take  pity  on    me  and   come 
back;  everything  is  at  sixes  and  sevens." 

After  a  long  consultation    it  was  decided    that  Allan 
should  resume  work  the  day  after  but  one. 

"And  Elinor  wants  you   to   go  with   us   to  Vessage's 
jamboree,"  said  Van  Tassel,  as  Allan  rose  to  go. 

"I  might  as  well  tell  you  that  it  will  be  impossible." 

"Why,  what's  the  matter?  Nell  will  be  terribly  put 
out,"  exclaimed  his  employer,  much  disturbed. 

"I  see  I've  got  to  give  my  reason.  I  promised  Mrs. 
Walton  to  see  that  her  rent  was  paid  until  she  got  able 
to  work.  She's  not  able  yet  to  do  much.  Her  rent 
fell  due  last  Monday,  and  her  present  landlord  isn't 
much  better  than  Waller  was.  Not  being  able  to  re- 
deem my  word,  for  I've  severed  my  connection  with 
the  Aides,  I  did  the  next  best  thing,  pawned  my  dress- 
suit.  She's  safe  another  month,  and  I  don't  care  enough 
about  parties  to  regret  the  act." 

You  young  dog!  Won't  Nell  rave  when  I  tell  her 
this?"  exclaimed  his  listener,  between  little  gulps  and 
chuckles,  "you  promised  to  come  to  me  for  money." 

"Don't  tell  Mrs.  Van  Tassel,  women  don't  under- 
stand, the  best  of  them  don't.  She  will  think  I'm  a 
fool,  no  doubt,  for  doing  it." 

ISo  doubl.      I  don  t  uiaaic    n-i   mucfi 

tell  her.     She'o  such  a  merciless  quiz  that  I'd  have  to- 


GOLD    DUST 


217 


He   like  a  pirate   to  get   rid  of   her.     Now    look   here, 
you  take  this,  and  get  your  duds  and  go  with  us.     D  ye 

^'•^Itter  wait  until  I  earn  it,"  answered  Allan,  repell- 
ing the  offer  of   a  month's  salary  in  advance 

'•Take  an  old  man's  advice  and  go  to  that  ball. 
Elinor  knows  best  and  she  wants  you  to  go." 

"I'd  rather  not,"  maintained  Allan,  but  seeing  that 
his  refusal  brought  disappointment  he  took  the  money 
and  with  a  lighter  step  left  the  office. 

******* 
Thus  it  was  that  Elinor  Van  Tassel  appealed  among 
the  brilliant  throng  at  Vessage's  in  all  the  glory  of  a 
splendid  dress  and  regal  personality.  The  royal  robe 
of  old  gold  velvet  trailed  after  her,  as  she  swept  the 
spacious  parlors.  A  new  and  exquisite  fan  that  she  car- 
ried in  her  hand  attracted  attention,  and  led  the 
wandering  eye  to  fasten  quickly  upon  the  sparkling 
bracelet  i^pon  her  right  arm,  which  the  short,  tight- 
laced  elbow  sleeve  exposed.  .       ^     ^      a  .„,i 

She  had  entered  the  room  between  her  husband  and 
Allan,  never  so   haughty,  never  so   regal   and   vmcom- 
promising.     She  had  declared  to  them  both  that   they 
n  u  t    o  with  her  if  they  walked  over  bot  plough  shares 
When  she  swept  down  into  the  parlor  of  he^ele^gant 
home,  in  her   -perfectly  gorgeous  dress."  and   he  d   up 
her  white  arm.  to  Allan's  astonishment  decorated  with 
the  diamond   bracelet,    she   silenced   liis   inquiry   by  a 
brief,  "They  that  hide  can  always  find. 

tt  so  in  Mrs.  Vessage's  parlor  she  freely  flirted  her 
fan,  displaying  her  much  talked-of  diamonds  to  the 
astonished  crowd,  who  after  the  first  shock  hastened  to 

do  her  homage.  , 

■•Wl>erc  did  you  find  it?"  "How  glad  we  are  lor 
youl"     "Did  the  detective  get  it  back?"  etc.,  were  some 


i!l  ill 


mm^^ 


218 


GOZn    DUST 


of  the  characteristic  remarks  which  she  did  not  hear, 
or  adroitly  parried  with  laugh  and  jest,  or  scathing 
sarcasm,  half  concealed  under  brilliant  badinage. 

With  a  smile  of  proud  triumph  she  beheld  Allan  re- 
instated in  the  good  opinion  of  Chicago's  society  devo- 
tees, and  as  the  music  struck  up,  with  a  look  of  her 
flashing  eyes  she  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  him 
bow  himself  away  from  their  midst  to  offer  her  his  arm. 
"How  they  will  hate  me?"  she  exclaimed,  exultantly, 
as  they  whirled  away  to  the  strains  of  a  popular  waltz. 
When  the  music  ceased  with  a  loud  blare,  they  halted 
before  a  group  which  contained  Jason  Waller  and  his 
prot^g^e,  Leon  lUardo. 

It  had  been  a  mystery  to  many  how  the  latter  had 
gained  entrde  into  the  most  select  circles;  but  Elinor 
Van  Tassel  knew  that  for  some  reason  the  man  was 
useful  to  Waller,  and  thus,  through  his  influence,  the 
handsome  Italian  was  seen  in  some  of  the  most  exclus- 
ive houses. 

Mrs.  Van  Tassel  had  not  recogni/.ed  Waller  the  last 
time  she  had  met  him  ;  but  with  the  assured  tyranny 
of  an  acknowledged  leader  she  concluded  to  be  gracious 
to-night,  and  so  beckoned  him  to  her  side. 

"Congratulate  me,"  she  said,  with  her  most  winning 
smile,  "I've  found  my  bracelet." 

"Congratulate  you?  it  has  cost  you  dear  to  find  it. 
Say,  rather  congrattilate  the  thief  upon  his  cunning.  I 
wonder  what  was  his  modus  operandi  to  so  successfully 
elude  justice.  Ferliaps  he  appeared  to  the  generous 
Mrs.  Van  Tassel,"  and  with  a  cruel  sneer, Vv^aller  glanced 
toward  Allan  at  the  other  side  of  the  room. 

"Perhaps  no  one  can  explain  the  modus  operandi 
better  than  Jason  Waller  himself,"  and  as  she  fired 
back  this  shot,  licr  black  eyes  flashed  a  defiant  accu- 
sation that  for  a  moment  compelled  silence. 


m^^mmmvm^wsmxmm^mmm 


ipnnp! 


B5«i*%»sfe 


GOLD    DUST 


219 


"My  friends  must  look  to  their  filthy  lucre,  if  I  am 
a  robber  bold,"  laughed  Waller,  scornfully.  "But  inti- 
mate friends  have  a  better  opportunity  of  purloining 
one's  wealth  and  jewels,  than  a  stranger  can  ever  find." 

They  had  moved  away  and  stood  a  little  apart  from 
the  rest  of  the  dancers.  She  wheeled  now  and  con  • 
fronted  him. 

"Speak  out,  Jason  Waller,  say  what  vile  things  are 
in  your  mind,"  demanded  Mrs.  Van  Tassel,  with  fury 
gleaming  from  her  eyes. 

"Elinor  Van  Tassel,  you  can  shield  your  handsome 
thief!  I  know  where  and  when  you  got  that  bracelet! 
It  is  a  very  good  imitation  of  the  first,"  and  he  smiled 
in  malignant  triumph  that  roused  her  to  fury. 

"Indeed!  how  do  you  happen  to  know  so  much  of  my 
affairs?  I  should  suppose  you  would  find  your  time 
fully  employed  in  looking  after  the   prospects  of   Nell 

Walton." 

"Observation  helps  me;  we  can  all  see  with  our  eyes 
open,"  he  answered,  with  the  same  mocking  smile,  and 
totally  ignoring  her  last  attack. 

"Ah!  Does  his  Satanic  Majesty  make  his  chief  ex- 
ecutive omnipresent?" 

"Ha,  ha!  he  laughed,  derisively  ;  "I  saw  you  when  you 
ordered  the  bracelet  upon  your  arm.  Are  you  con- 
vinced now?"  again  smiling  maliciously. 

"No  doubt  you  saw  who  stole  the  other,"  she  hissed. 
"Perhaps  Mr.  Allan  Morton  can  account    for  them," 
he  replied,  with  a  vicious  sneer. 

"Coward!"  she  exclaimed  under  her  breath,  "you  are 
scheming  to  ruin  an  innocent  man,  but  I'll  spend  every 
cent  I  own  to  bring  you  to  justice!" 

"You  may  not  be  able  to  spend  a  large  sum.  Allan 
Morton  ought  to  be  very  grateful  for  the  devotion  of 
so   distinguished  a  lady!"  and  with  a   meuainy    smile, 


m 


■is -"I 


II 

.-  1 

'^H 

1" 

(•, 

i? 

1 

,1 

1 

'Bl 

l!fl 


220 


GOLD    DUST 

ightilyand    moved    away  3"st 


as 


Allan 


Van  Tassel  went  to  her  --;'«' X',  trst  ene.y 
by  the  tormenting  ''^°"g' ^*^.\,  '  „  „ttet  all?  Wal- 
knew  too  much.     Had  she  helped  Allan  alter 

ler  was  rich  and  innuent.al.  ^  ^.^^^ 

••And.  Mark,  wha   d,d  he  meanP  ^^,^^  ^^ 

not  be  able  to  spend  a  lart.    sum   in 

justice."  You'd  better  avoid 

■■Oh!  he's  trying  to   sca^you^    You        ^      ^^^.^^.^ 

Waller:  he's  -. '^yP°"f't' ^eep  quiet  and  this  thing 
trouble  with  him.     Let  AUan  keep  q  ^^^^^  ^^ 

will  all   blow  over  soon.     The  «°"«  „ 

him  as  usual,  and  Waller's  fj-;  ^^  .^tnnections 
••Mark,  I  wish  you'd  sever  all   bus.n^-.s  ^^ 

with  Waller.     1   hate   mm,  though   I  m 

"^r.  going  to  get  c- -■- ;- -rrZ":^-'': 
reidy"c::crs-::^rhr:eUt,  but  wisely  said  no 

niore  about  it.  .   ^^  ^  select 

upon  the   following   day  -"^     !";  °'^  '  .„„3e  in- 

few  tor  another  banquet  at  Wf "  ='/"';?i^,^  .„e  new 

vited  were  the  Van  Tassels  and  Allan      W  ^^^^ 

3eheme  was  ^^ ^^^^^^^it  banquet; 
invitations.     Another    J'"""  j,,,,,  ,^^,  to  be  a 

a  dinner  to  a  few  intimate   f";'"^^; ^^^     ^■^^  „,,e  in- 
,„iet  affair  and  to  which  Rob^t    nd  h  s  w.  ^  ^^^^ 

;;ited.     In  fact,  with  the  "'d      "  >^^«/  <;;^  ,„  ^^  ,„y 

,  Httle  perfumed  -— l]  "   ;f„":  \  ',3.  Morton'=  re- 

._.  „p(i  onif^t  in  consideration  oi  ^xr-iipr 

select  anu  i^i---  ,  ,i    ci-mnatlietic  vvuiier 

cent  affliction.     «">'«  -t^J" ^^       t   now  he  was 
could   become  when   he  chose,  anu   j 


! 


GOLD    DUST 


221 


repulsively  so.     Laura    tore   the  note   into   fragments, 
and  threw  them  into  the  fire. 

Robert  had  accepted  the  invitation  without  consult- 
incr  his  wife,  and  when  the  hour  came  he  defiantly  set 
^ff\lone,  not   caring    evidently,  whether   she  went    or 
ttiot      He  was  welcomed  with  effusion  by  his  host,  and 
plied  with  wine  and  flattery,  and  later,  with  brain  mud- 
dled and   speech  uncertain,  he  was  sent  to  h-  dishon- 
ored home  and   shame-sick  wife.     Just  now  the    Mor- 
ton   name  was    not    an  illustrious  one      Alan  was  yet 
under  a  cloud,  in  spite  of  his  friends,  the  Van  Tassel 
and  Robert  was  rapidly  sinking  deeper  and  deeper  into 
the  pit  which  he  had  once  dug  for   his  unwary  cousm. 
Allan    resumed  work  in   Mr.  Van  Tassel's  office   the 
morning  after  the  Vessage  ball.     He  knew  that  it  was 
the  best  thing  to  do  for  the  present,  though  it  was  wUh 
the  understanding   that   at   any  time  he  comd   resigm 
Discrust  at  his  failure  to  make  anything  of  his  life,  and 
tired  of  Chicago,  he  determined  to  go  back  again  into 
the  army  ;  there,  at  least,  he  would  not  intrude  upon  his 
only  relative  and  would  jeopardize  no  one's  good  name. 
'•Chicago  will  make  an  out  law  of  me    if  I  stay  here 
much  longer,"  he  said,  as  he  was  talking  over  the  sub- 
ject with  his  employer.     "I'm  half    that    now.     I  find 
myself  in   strong  antagonism    to    the  nice   distinctions 
that  forbid  a  man  retaliating  for  a  deadly  injury      If  a 
man  destroys   my  good  name,  the   best  of    me,  I  want 
to  destroy  his  life,  the  most  valuable   possession   such 
a  fiend  can  have,  and    I've    a   right   to.     In   the    army 
there's  some  redress  for  wrongs;  I'm  going  back  :  I  m 
not  fit  for  this  sort  of  thing.     It  grinds  to   be  the  butt 
of  another's  malice." 

Thus  he  had  declared  that  morning  when  he  resumed 
work.  He  was  stung  to  death  by  the  insults  and  accu- 
nations  of  Mr.  Bassett;  enraged  at  Robert's  brutal  way 


ih 


ill 


II  il 


GOLD    DUST 

of  denying  him  his  house  ;  revengeful,  but  not  reckless 
at  Waller's  malicious  attempts  to   blacken  his  charac- 
ter ■  but,  above  all,  wounded  and  hurt  by  the  gulf  that 
was   growing   deeper   and    broader   each   day  between 
him  and  his  cousin's  wife.     Why  should  she  deny  him 
friendly  recognition,  without  giving   him    a  chance   to 
prove  himself  an  honest  man?       He   seldom  met  her, 
but  when  he  did,  she  never  more  than  bowed  distantly. 
She  was  colder  and  prouder  than  ever,  and  seemed  to 
have    withdrawn   herself    from   all    social    intercourse. 
Rumor   said  that  she  was   becoming  a  devout  church- 
woman.     Yes,    Mrs.  Van   Tassel   was   right;   Waller's 
sneers   and  inuendoes,  after   all,  were   not   so  danger- 
ous as  Laura's  cold,  averted  face  and  unfriendly  eyes. 
But  the  days  had  passed  by  and  Allan  had  continued 
to  remain  in  Van  Tassel's  office.      He  had  found  plenty 
to  do,  for  close  investigation  had  brought  to  lightsome 
glaring  discrepancies  in  certain    transactions   in  which 
Waller  and  Donovan,  as  well  as  several  others,  had  fig- 
ured conspicuously. 

At  first  Mr.  Van  Tassel  declared  that  Allan  must 
be  mistaken.  But  with  the  assistance  of  an  expert  who 
better  than  any  other  could  uncover  the  intricate 
machinery  of  a  ring,  they  soon  convinced  their  em- 
ployer that  he  was  on  the  brink  of  disaster. 

In  the  meantime  Robert  was  becoming  more  and 
more  infatuated  with  Waller  and  his  clique.  His  hours 
were  no  longer  so  closely  devoted  to  schemes  for  money- 
making.  He  preferred  the  convivial  companionship 
of  such  as  himself,  men  who  loved  cards  and  wine. 
Beside  this  he  was  a  frequent  visitor  at  certain  gam- 
bling saloons,  known  only  to  a  "certain  class."  The 
old  time  affection  for  his  family  had  been,  to  all  ap- 
pearances smothered  out  of  existence,  for  now  he  sel- 
dom paid  them    the  least   attention,  frequently  spend- 


GOLD  DUST 


223 


mmffif'^'WP 


ing  day  and  night  away  from  home.  When,  as  occa- 
sionally was  the  case,  he  came  home  sober,  or  remained 
home  to  recover  after  some  unusual  debauch,  upon 
coming  to  himself,  his  manner  was  that  of  one  labor- 
ing under  some  great  burden  of  anxiety,  and  evidently 
harassed  and  depressed ;  he  again  flew  to  his  only 
solace,  the  wine  cup. 

Laura  knew  that  disaster  must  overtake  them  at  some 
future  time,  though  in  what  hideous  shape  the  mon- 
ster would  present  himself,  or  how  soon,  she  could  not 
be  certain. 

Determined  to  be  in  a  measure  ready  for  it  she  com- 
menced cutting  down  expenses  by  discharging  her  gov- 
erness and  the  girl  who  for  a  few  days  had  taken  the 
place  of  Lizette,  who  had  disappeared  under  annoying 
circumstances. 

The  girl  had  desired  to  return  to  Canada,  being  very 
homesick.  Later,  her  mistress  had  seen  her  talking  on 
a  street  corner  with  Leon  lUardo.  But  as  servants  had 
to  be  paid,  and  Robert  was  no  longer  liberal  in  his 
housekeeping  allowances,  Laura  concluded  it  was  all 
just  as  well.  The  orders  that  had  been  given  so  pom- 
pously at  the  beginning  of  their  residence  in  Chicago 
had  not  been  countermanded  by  him,  and  so  all  orders 
at  butchers  and  grocers  were  promptly  filled  ;  but  much 
of  the  former  lavishness  had  disappeared.  Robert  did 
not  notice  the  change,  or,  if  he  did,  apparently  did  not 

care. 

But  it  was  all  the  result  of  a  conference  that  Laura 
had  with  her  father.  He  did  not  believe  in  their  lav- 
ish way  of  living  ;  his  own  simple  habits  required  no 
splendidly  furnished  house,  no  elegant  carriage,  fine 
horses,  liveried  coachman  ;  no  sumptuously  spread  table 
presided  over  by  a  richly  dressed  mistress,  attended  by 


i 


224 


GOLD  DUST 


a  liveried  butler  whose  wages   alone  would  have   paid 
the  expenses  of  his  own  simple  home. 

Robert  did  not  talk  of  retrenchment  in  his  sober 
moments;  when  his  tongue  was  unloosed,  he  yet  boasted 
royally  of  "big  deals,"  stunning  sales,  and  ventures 
which  "only  such  cute  men  as  me  and  Waller  dare 
monkey  with." 


CHAPTER  XX 

WALLER   nESTROVS  THE   PROOFS 

April,  the  month  of  smiles  and  tears,  had  come  and 
gone.  Allan  had  found  plenty  with  which  to  occupy 
liis  time  in  the  office  of  Mr.  Van  Tassel. 

Investigation    had    brought    to    light    some    glaring 
schemes  of  Waller  &  Co.,  to  swindle  Mark  Van  Tassel ; 
schemes  that  in   some  cases   had   failed,  in  others  had 
been  proven  against  them  on  this  the  last  day  of  April. 
Allan  seldom  met  Laura,  but    in  the    lapses  of    tmie 
between  each   chance   brief  meeting  there    grew  to   be 
Ipss  of  that  glittering  iciness  in  her  look  and    manner, 
though    she    simply    bowed    and     moved   her    lips,    as 
though  whispering  his  name  to  herself.      F.ut  there  was 
a  pathetic  look  in   her   eyes  that  would   have  won  any 
other  to  her;  Allan  was  a  soldier;  he  would  die  in  lus 
cause,  but  he  would  not  falter. 

The  kindness  of  his  employer,  and  the  strong, 
womanly  encouragement  of  Mrs.  Van  Tassel  that  was 
shown  more  in  action  than  word,  had  served  asastim- 
ulous  to  contend  against  all  the  opposing  forces  of 
popular  opiniou,  though  he  was  gla<l  when  the  currents 
changed,  bringing  back    to  him    the  friends  whom    he 

valued. 

He  had   been  asked  at    thcif  last  meeting  to  resume 


MjjBji 


GOLD  DUST 


225 


his  place  with  the  Aides.  He  declined,  however,  as 
he  desired  to  work  alone,  and  resolved  to  be  hampered 
by  the  restrictions  of  no  society  or  club. 

He  occasionally  saw  his  cousin  coming  out  or  going 
into  a  saloon,  and  almost  always  in  the  company  of 
Waller  or  some  of  his  friends.  He  noticed,  too,  that 
if  Waller  was  one  of  his  companions,  the  saloon  out 
of  which  they  came  was  of  the  lowest  order,  and  while 
Robert  evidently  had  been  drinking,  Waller  had  always 
abstained,  or  had  the  appearance  of  abstinence. 

One  afternoon  Allan  obtained  leave  for  a  half  day 
from  the  olTice.  He  met  Denau  a  little  later  and  as 
the  later  had  a  few  moments  to  spare,  they  paused  upon 
a  street  corner  to  talk.  Allan  asked  him  the  news  of 
the  strikers. 

"Ah,  the  strike's  a  big  thing  and  will  probably  lead 
to  something  worse.  Ten  days  ago  the  Arbeitcr  Zeitung 
advocated  assassination.  They  say  it's  humane  and  just 
to  shoot  and  burn.  Things  are  approaching  a  crisis. 
They're  arming  and  drilling  to  oppose  the  police  and 
blow  up  some  of  the  biggest  business  houses  with  dyna- 
mite. But  we  arc  ready  for  them  at  a  minute's  notice. 
They're  threatening  to  make  trouble  for  the  non  union 
men,  too.  Things  are  getting  serious.  All  the  traders 
are  going  on  a  strike  to-morrow,  and  the  end  will  soon 
come.  The  trouble  has  been  brewing  so  long,  that  it 
will  call  out  police,  and  state  militia,  too,  I'm  thinkin', 

to  quell  it." 

"Do  you  really  think  there  will  be  blood  shed,  Tom?" 
asked   Allan,  anxiously   watching    his   friend's  restless 

eyes. 

"As  sure  as  you're  standin'  there.  I'm  going  to  do 
my  duty  ;  that  means  to  shoot  if  I  nujst,  and  us  they 
are  arming  for  the  same   purpose,  there's   going  to  bu 

blood  shed." 
»5 


226 


GOLD    DUST 


"And  if  you  are  there,  Tom?"  and  Allan  laid  his 
hand  on  the  burly  Irishman's  shoulder,  in  friendly  pro- 
test at  the  prospective  engagement  in  which  he  might 

be  involved. 

"I  shall  be  there,  by  St.  Patrick!  no  one  ever  saw  lorn 
Dcnau  shirk  a  duty  yet!"  was  the  quick  reply. 

"I  wish  I  could  be  with  you.  Why  can't  I  get  on 
the  force  as  special  police?" 

"All  right,  we  shall  need  special  police,  so  the  chief 
says.     I'll  tell  him  and  we'll  give  you  a  chance  :  be  on 

hand  early." 

"I'll  be  there,"  quickly  replied  Allan,  who  saw  some- 
thing akin  to  a  soldier's  life  in  the  coming  days. 

Just  then  a  messenger  came  scurrying  up  with  orders 
for  Denan  to  report  to  his  chief  at  once. 

In  silence  they  clasped  each  other's  hands  an  instant, 
and  looked  keenly  into  each  other's  eyes. 

"Ye'll  be  there,  Morton." 

"I'll  be  there,  Tom,"  and  the  next  instant  the  ofTicer 
was  rushing  away  to  obey  orders.  After  watching  the 
tall  form  of  his  friend  pass  out  of  sight,  Allan  turned, 
and  with  a  feeling  of  reluctance  left  the  spot. 

Wherever  he  went  that  day,  he  heard  men  talking 
togotlier  excitedly  in  groups:  some  were  evidently  of 
the  law-abiding  citizens  who  anxiously  discussed  the 
serious  outlook  of  affairs;  others  were  friends  of  the 
strikers,  who  conversed  in  lower  voices  with  heads  bent 
close  together,  now  and  then  darting  fiery  glances  at 
a  passing  policeman,  or  hissing  venomous  threats  if 
perchance  a  handsome  carriage  filled  with  well  dressed 
ladies  and  gentlemen  dashed  down  the  strwet. 

About  that  time,  passing  over  to  an  opposite  corner, 
Allan  saw  his  cousin  coming  toward  him.  He  was,  as 
usual,  accompanied  by  Waller  and  a  stranger.  Ho 
knew  that  it  would   bo  worse  than  useless  to   speak  to 


'MM^iis^'- 


GOLD    DUST 


227 


Robert  upon  the  subject  which  he  had  discussed  with 
the  Van  Tassels,  so  watched  them  till  they  passed  by 
the  group  of  strikers.  He  saw  the  men  follow  Morton 
and  his  companions  with  threatening  glances  and  angry 

nods. 

Reports  had  come  to  him  frequently  of  their  discon- 
tent, of  which  Waller  and  his  friends  were  the  cause. 
As  Allan  watched  to  see  the  result  of  the  angry  demon- 
strations, one  of  their  number  came  over  to  where  he 
stood,  and    ouching  his  hat  respectfully,  said  in  broken 

English  : 

"Mister  Morton,  I  likes  to  spheaks  mit  you.  You 
be  pesser  to  gits  your  cousin  oud  of  dem  gompanies. 
1  tells  you  drue.  Sometimes,  putty  quick,  right  away 
he  gits  troubles  for  goming  to  some  blace  vot  is  not 
his  jiizness,  Heigh  !" 

"Where  does  he  go?"  askeu  Allan,  wondering  what 
induced  the  man  to  come  to  him,  a  stranger. 

"Blcnty  blaces;  he  lies  like  all  dem  gapitalists!" 
answered  the  man,  fiercely. 

"I  don't  know  what  I  can  do  to  prevent  it,  my  good 
friend.      He  won't  listen  to  me;  I  wish  he  would." 

"Veil,  I  tells  you  drue;  so  sure  he  stays  not  away 
dem  union  meetings,  he  gits  ter  tyful,  now  putty  quick, 
right  away  1"  and  the  flashing  eyes  and  brandishing  fists 
emphasized  his  threats. 

"Why  don't  you  tell  liim?  He  is  the  one  to  talk  to," 
then  seeing  the  rest  of  the  group  crossing  to  where  they 
stood,  he  said,  "I  have  no  control  over  him  ;  1  wish  1 
could  have;  but  my  cousin  is  his  own  master." 

The  men  were  all  strangers,  yet  tliey  seemed  to  know 
him  by  name,  and  saluted  him  with  respect. 

"My  men,  what  is  the  matter?"  he  asked,  as  the  old 
dutchman  subsided,  and  a  tall,  thin,  dark-eved  man 
Stepped  toward  Allan  as  t^pokesman 


t\ 


228 


GOLD    DUST 


"I  will  tell  you,  Mr.  Morton;  your  cousin  is  in  with 
our  enemies;  Waller  and  his  crowd  are  a  pack  of  liars 
and  thieves.  Robert  Morton  is  with  them.  When 
one  lies,  the  rest  swear  to  it.  Jason  Waller's  days  are 
numbered;  his  friends  had  better  save  themselves." 
Then  the  speaker  turned  and  walked  quietly  away,  fol- 
lowed by  his  companions,  who,  after  crossing  back  to 
the  opposite  corner,  scattered  in  all  directions  just  as 
a  couple  of  policemen  were  seen  coming  up  the  street. 
They  always  kept  out  of  the  way  of  the  police,  when 
their  numbers  were  small. 

There  had  been  but  few  moments  of  time  consumed  in 
the  above  conversation  between  the  strikers  and  Allan; 
indeed  he  had  not  been  given  time  to  answer  the  last 
speaker,  so  quietly  did  the  men  leave  the  spot.  Allan 
felt  that  the  man's  angry  words  were  a  message  sent  to 
him  by  some  one  who  meant  himself  no  harm.  He 
believed  the  laboring  classes  were  all  his  friends,  so 
he  had  no  fear  for  his  own  personal  safety;  but  for  his 
cousin  the  storm  was  gathering. 

In  a  short  time  he  presented  himself  at  Robert  s 
office  door,  but  was  informed  that  he  had  just  gone  out. 
He  then  directed  his  steps  toward  Robert's  home,  but 
when  within  a  half-do/en  rods  of  it,  he  suddenly 
wheeled  about  and  walked  quickly  in  another  direction 
with  the  words  of  his  cousin  upon  tlie  occasion  of  their 
last  meeting  ringing  in  his  cars.  He  would  not  intrude 
upon  them  yet;  he  would  ,  rst  be  sure  of  a  welcome 
Turning  a  corner  he  suddenly  cnme  fare  to  face  with 
Mr.  Bassctt,  who  taken  unawares,  exclaimed  ; 

"Land  o'  Cioshon!     Where  you  goin'  to.Mr.  Morton?" 

"Nowhere  in    particular  ,  that  is,  I  was  going  some 

where,  but   I've  changed   my    mind,"  answered  Allan 


wlth.out  seeming  to  notice 


the  friendly  look  in  the  old 


man's  eyes  as  he  hurried  by  hi 


im. 


GOLD    DUST 


229 


"Well,  if  you  got  any  doubts  'bout  it  you'd  better 
turn  back'n  make  sure,"  his  late  antagonist  called  after 

him. 

"I've  no  doubts;  I'm  sure  enough,"  answered  Allan. 

"Sure  of  what?" 

"Sure  that  I'm  not  wanted  in  Robert's  house,  and  will 
go  where  I  am,"  and  so  saying,  Allan  walked   quickly 

away. 

As  though  possessed  of  the  demon  of  unrest,  A. .an, 
walked  rapidly  in  the  direction  of  the  McCormick  fac- 
tory. He  had  not  been  there  since  the  strike,  and  the 
men  were  daily  becoming  more  vehement  in  their  threats 
of  vengeance. 

Arriving  there  he  found  groups  of  strikers  gathered 
in  earnest  conversation.  Stepping  up  to  some  of  the 
more  vociferous,  he  listened  and  gathered  the  trend  of 
their  talk;  extermination  to  capitalists  and  the  police 
force  seemed  the  burden  of  their  threats;  eiglit  hours 
work,  or  advanced  wages  was  the  burden  of  their  de- 
mands. While  as  the  result  of  the  teachings  of  anar- 
chists, they  demanded  that  the  wealth  of  the  million- 
aires should  be  divided  among  them. 

Having  some  knowledge  of  the  present  state  of  affairs, 
he  joined  in  their  conversation  and  was  soon  able  to 
gain  and  hold  their  attention.  He  then  endeavored  to 
persuade  them  to  peaceable  measures,  urging  them  to 
remember  their  families,  and  avoid  anything  like  vio- 
lence, which  must  only  re-act  upon  themselves  and 
might  bring  them  none  of  the  desired  results.  He 
placed  himself  in  the  ranks  of  bread-winners,  but  as 
one  who  would  not  make  the  innocent  suffer  for  the 
transgressions  of  the  guilty.  Thus  by  persuasion  he 
induced  many  to  go  home  and  wait  the  adjustment  of 
their  claims. 

As  he  left  the  place  he  learned  that  the  reported  gen- 


II 


I' 


230  GOLD    DUST 

eral  strike  was  surely  to  take  place  the  next  day  He 
also  learned  that  there  was  to  be  a  big  meeting  at  Nett  s 
hall  that  evening,  and  determined  to  be  there  if  possi- 

^^  I't  was  now  six  o'clock  and  he  hurried  back  to  his 
restaurant  for  supper,  after  which  he  started  in  the 
direction  of  the  hall,  where  even  at  that  early  hour 
crowds  were  already  assembled. 

Keeping  in  the  line  of  the  crowd  that  was  pouring 
into  the  hall,  he  passed  in  through  the  open  door,  and 
slipping  into  a  corner,  he  was  able  to  see  and  hear  al 
that  might  be  said  from  the  speakers'  stand,  without 
bein-  discovered.  The  most  prominent  speaker  was 
one  already  made  notorious  by  anarchy.  He  was 
haranguing  the  crowd  of  enraged  and  excited  peop  e, 
which  was  largely  composed  of  the  most  illiterate  Poles 

and  Bohemians. 

Threats  of  dynamite  and  fire  were  freely  made,  cries 
of  revenge  were  mingled  with  the  names  of  prominent 
capitalists.  Waller  was  execrated  as  a  thief  and  traitor, 
who  had  gained  possession  of  their  money  by  false 
promises.  Cries  of  "Down  with  Waller  and  h.s  accom- 
plice, Bob  Morton!"  struck  Allan  as  confirming  the 
assertions  made  to  him  by  the  men  upon  the  street  that 

^\x^i  at  that  time  a  voice,  shrill,  defiant,  and  harsh 
cut  the  air  nnd  rose  high  above  all  other  sounds,  "Death 
to  Waller,  the  scoundrel  and  destroyer!"  and  Allan 
recognized  the  voice  of  Nell  Walton,  but  could  not  see 
her  for  the   angry  crowd,  which  seemed    maddened  by 

the  girl's  words.  . 

Then  there  followed  instructions  by  the  principal 
speaker  to  make  bombs,  and  arm  themselves  with  guns, 
pistols  and  knives  ready  tor  the  police  on  the  foUowmiJ 
day  when  t)ic  general  strike  should  occur, 


GOLD    DUST 


231 


As  the  mob  was  becoming  more  and  more  excited, 
Allan  quietly  and  with  great  caution  made  his  way 
toward  the  door,  and  with  tact  and  presence  of  mind 
gained  the  street  without  being  discovered. 

Determining  to  warn  his  cousin  at  all  hazards  upon 
the  following  day,  he  hurried  away  from  the  scenes  of 
contention,  and  was  soon  in  his  room. 

Upon  the  following  morning  of  May  ist,  occurred 
the  greatest  strike  in  the  annals  of  Chicago,  and  the 
immense  number  of  idle  men,  and  the  extent  of  the 
dissatisfaction,  furnished  excellent  opportunity  for  in- 
culcating dangerous  doctrine.  The  anarchist  leaders 
saw  their  chance  and  improved  it. 

Again  Allan  got  leave  of  absence  from  the  office  for 
the  day,  and  went  out  upon  the  streets  to  gather  re- 
ports and  as  early  as   possible  to   see    Robert    to  warn 

him  of  his  danger. 

The  news-boys  were  rushing  about   the   streets,  pro- 
claiming, "All  about    the    strike!"  to  the    thousands  o 
eager,  excited    pedestrians,  and    a  walk   down   one   of 
the  principal  thoroughfares  showed  clearly  the  temper 
and  condition  of  the  public  mind. 

All  business  was   suspended.     Strangers   exchanged 
bits  of  news,  and  under  breath  asked  each  other  if  they 
hadn't  better  make  a  hasty  exit  from  the  turbulent  city. 
Gentlemen  who   had    never   before   met   certain   other 
gentlemen,  and  upon  any  consideration  would  not  have 
spoken  without  the  formality  of    an  introduction,  now 
talked   excitedly  and  with   unfeigned    interest   to  each 
other,  while    their  wives    and   daughters  were  in  their 
rooms   packing  up.     Groups   of  men   gathered   at    the 
corners  ;  crowds  assembled  at  the  lake  front. 

Going  down  town  as  usual,  and   not   being   able   to 
find  Waller  in    the   office,  Robert  had  returned   home 
remaining  there  all  the  rest  of   the  day,  cio.ely  iockcU 


232 


GOLD  DUST 


within  his  library.  He  was  trying  to  get  a  little  light 
upon  the  events  of  the  past  few  days,  as  well  as  iipoii 
a  letter  that  he  held  in  his  hand.  He  is  clear  enough 
to  see  that  the  writer  knows  what  he  writes.  Robert 
thinks  he  knows  the  chirography.  The  fact  is,  Allan 
had  written  the  letter,  but  dared  not  sign  his  own  name 
for  fear  that  Robert's  aversion  to  him  would  destroy 
the  influence  of  the  warning  it  contained.  So  the 
writing  was  familiar,  he  had  seen  it  somewhere  long 
ago.  The  letter  warned  him  to  avoid  all  possible  col- 
lision with  the  strikers.  Threats  are  freely  made  to 
take  his  life,  implicating  him  with  Waller  &  Co.,  in 
defrauding  them  out  of  large  sums  of  money  ;  Robert 
probably  knows  what  is  meant.  No  accusation  comes 
from  the  writer,  only  a  warning  for  the  sake  of  his 
family  to  keep  clear-headed,  be  more  cautious  and  re- 
main sober. 

Robert  had  remained  shut  up  in  his  library,  reading 
over  and  over  the  letter  and  papers,  hopeful  that  the 
storm  would  pass  and  leave  him  untouched. 

While  Robert  is  in  durance  vile,  none  the  less  un- 
pleasant because  self-imposed,  let  us  peep  into  No  256 
and  sec  how  Waller  &  Co.  take  the  strike. 

The  company  is  not  present ;  Waller  is  alone.  He 
is  at  present  engaged  in  assorting  papers,  some  of  which 
he  places  in  an  envelope  before  him,  the  rest  he  des 
troys,  after  glancing  up  to  see  that  the  blinds  are 
closely  shut.  A  step  is  heard  outside,  and  quick  as 
lightning,  with  the  gliding  step  of  a  panther  he  springs 
the  noiseless  bolt  into  its  place,  noiselessly  returning 
to  his  scat,  and  before  the  steps  die  away  in  the  cor- 
ridor he  is  again  busy  among  the  letters  and  papers  on 

his  desk. 

Having   completed    this   ta^k   hn  looks    through  the 
things  in  the  table  drawer,  keeping  some  small  articles, 


GOLD    DUST 


233 


and  burning  the  remaining  ones.  Of  all  the  papers, 
letters  and  documents  that  his  office  contained,  only  a 
small  package  held  in  a  four-by-ten  envelope  was  per- 
mitted to  escape  the  flames.  With  a  smile  of  fiendish 
glee  he  watched  one  after  another  of  the  various  papers 
reduced  to  ashes,  and  when  with  the  poker  he  had 
made  sure  of  their  complete  destruction,  he  rose  and 
going  to  the  secretary  locked    it    securely,  putting  the 

kev  in  his  pocket. 

Now  the  secretary  was  completely  empty,  having 
been  rifled  to  furnish  food  for  the  fire  just  kindled 
upon  the  hearth  ;  but  locking  it  gave  it  the  appearance 
of  being  used  ;  and  appearances  had  been  some  of  the 
principal  agents  employed  in  building  up  the  external 
man,  Jason  Waller. 

Presently  the  low,  soft  mew,  like  the  cry  of  a  kitten, 
struck  his  ear,  and    turning  down  the    light,  he   softly 
slides  back  the   bar,  unlocks    the   door,  and    confronts 
Samuel  Donovan  with  whom  he  descends  the  stairs. 

Meantime,  like  a  tiger  couchant,  anarchy  lies  ready 
to  spring  ;  like  a  tiger  licking  her  chops,  her  red  tongue 
lolling;  her  fiery  eyes  rolling;  her  white,  cruel  teeth 
flittering  fiercely  in  the  faces  of  her  victims;  her  voice 
low  and  snarling.  Upon  whom  will  the  blood-thirsty, 
monster  fasten  her  sharp,  cruel  fang..  Whose  tender, 
quivering  flesh  shall  writhe  under  the  agonies  of  her 
merciless  claws? 

Let  history  tell  all  that  it  may;   it  has  not  told   the 

half.  ... 

But  while   the    hungry  beast,  anarchy,  is  waiting    to 

spring,  on  the  night  of   that   eventful    y^   of    May,  in 

the    office    of    the  Arbeiter   Zeitung,  a    tall,  muscular, 

cruel-faced   man    is  rapidly  dashing   off   the   circulars 

that    begin,  "Revenge!     Workingmen,    to  Arms!"  and 

closed  with,  "To  Arms,  we  call  you  to  Armsl' 


^ 


i  ,; 


( 


234 


GOLD    DUST 


CHAPTER  XXI 

GOLD  i>usr 

The  great  city  listened  with  bated  breath,  resting 
as  slie  must  on  the  strong  hearts,  and  muscles  of  steel, 
of  her  brave  faithful  police,  who  continued  to  pace 
their  respective  beats,  waiting  the  call  of  duty. 

That  night,  while  the  city  held  her  breath,  while 
the  police  waited  the  command,  while  the  stars  shone 
in  the  heavens  serenely,  and  the  zeph.yrs  swept  an 
anthem  across  the  white  tipped  waves  of  Lake  Michi- 
gan, in  the  office  of  the  Arbeiter  Zeitung  the  tall,  mus- 
cular, cruel-faced  man  sits  gloating  over  the  effect  of 
the  circulars  that  began:  "Revenge!  Workingmen, 
to  Arms!"  and    closed  with:     "To  Arms,  we   call   you 

to  Arms  !" 

That  same  night,  while  the  blood-thirsty  leaders  of 
anarchy  were  glorying  over  their  hold  upon  the  sub- 
servient masses  of  human  putrescence  dumped  upon 
America's  shores  from  another  land,  viewing  with  fiend- 
ish satisfaction  the  prevailing  discontent,  hearing  the 
responsive  shouts  of  "Revenge!  death  to  the  capitalists 
and  their  miniens,  the  police!"  issuing  from  lips  that 
might  be  to-morrow  writhing  in  self  imposed  death- 
agonies. 

While  all  things  wait,  Leon  Illardo  is  traversing  the 
streets,  keen-eyed,  alert,  vigilant,  intense,  with  mind 
concentrated  upon  one  thought,  one  aim,  to  find  Jason 
Waller  whose  treachery  he  had  but  that  day  discov 
ered.  To  find  him  and  bring  him  before  the  crowd  of 
revengeful  anarchists  for  pimishment. 

While  the  handsome  Illardo  is    prowling   about   the 

home  of  the  Mortons,  the  master 


haunts  of  Waller,  in 


the  h 


was  sn 


feh'  and  snugly  locked  within  the  library. 


GOLD    DVST 


235 


He  had  told    Laura    to    keep    the  doors    locked  ;    to 
admit  no  one  upon    any  i)retext  whatever,  "for  fear    ot 
the  anarchists,  who  she  could  see    by  the    papers  were 
going  to  kill  all  the  big  men  in  the  city,"  and   he    for 
the  first  time  drew  her  attention  to  several  columns  in 
a  leading    daily  paper    devoted  to  the  anarchists.      He 
told    her,  too,  with  a  ludicrous    mingling    of   fear    and 
self-importance,  that  it  was  the  penalty  he  must  pay  for 
being  inlluential  and  among  the  upper  crust,  but   that 
she  must  carry  her  head  as  became  the  wife  of   one  of 
the  big  men,  and  not  admit  any  one  )  that  was  the  way 
they  did   it ;    just  keep    the    doors    locked.      So    things 
continued  all  that  3rd  day  of   the  strike  and    until  the 
afternoon  of  the  4th  of   that    memorable    May.      Filled 
with  anxiety,  Laura  had    obeyed    his   commands    until 
that  afternoon  Allan  had  called,  and  being  denied    ad- 
mittance had  left  a   note  which    the    mystified    servant 
delivered  to    her    mistress,  while    the  writer   remained 
waiting  outside. 

Remembering  her  husband's  antipathy  to  his  cousin, 
she  hesitated  about  giving  the  note  to  him,  but  at  length 
concluded  to  risk  all    and  do  so,  though  fearful  of   the 
consequences  of    a  meeting.     So    she  opened    his  door 
just  in  time  to  see  him  in  the    act  of   hiding  a  flask  of 
liquor  in  his  table  drawer  ;  she  said  nothing,  but  g-'vc 
him  the  note.      Robert  read  it  and  tearing  it  into  frag- 
ments, fiercely  swore  to  "shoot  the  hound,"  but  wisely 
refrained  from  putting  his    threat    into    action,  though 
he   freely  brandished  a  loaded    revolver  which  he  took 
from  a  table  drawer.     As   he  seemed   too  much    under 
the  influence  of  liquor  to  venture  out  of  the  room  Laura 
returned  to  the  hall,  and  going  to  the  outside  door  was 
surprised  to  find  Allan  still  waiting  admittance. 

Beckoning  him  to  follow,  she  softly  lead  the  way  to 
the  parlor.     She  seemed  very  nervous  and  excited,  and 


236 


GOLD    DUST 


believing  that  she  was  in  trouble,  he  waited  for  her  to 
speak.  She  was  very  much  agitated,  though  evidently 
struggling  for  composure,  and  as  she  stood  before  him 
with  hands  locking  convulsively,  with  her  a  familiar 
sign  of  suffering,  he  pitied  her  even  more,  his  heart 
softening  toward  her  instantly. 

"You  want  to  see  me,  Laura?"  he  asked,  going  around 
to  the  other  side  of  the  table  across  which  he  still 
looked  kindly  at  her,  as  though  she  were  a  small,  fright- 
ened child.      "Are  you  in  trouble,  Laura?" 

"What  does  it  all  mean,  Allan?  the  threats  at  Robert, 
and  the  trouble  that  seems  to  be  brooding  over  us?" 
she  asked,  with  confidence  in  the  man  before  her  that 
seemed  born  of  past  experience.  That  her  agitation 
was  the  result  of  some  desperate  strait,  Allan  did  not 
doubt.      "Is  there  trouble  ahead?"  she  continued. 

"Yes,  there  is  trouble  :  but  I  think  Robert  can  avoid 
it  by  keeping  clear  of  Waller  and  his  clique.  He's 
been  identified  with  them  in  business,  and,  of  course, 
whatever  they've  done  that's  not  honest  and  square  in 
dealing  with  others,  must  be  borne  by  him  as  well, 
I've  heard  thrc^ats  against  them  all.  Waller  and  Robert 
in  particular,  and  though  I  know  myself  to  be  an  un- 
welcome visitor  here,  yet  for  your  and  your  family's 
sake  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  warn  him  ;  you  know  the 
result ;  he  won't  see  me." 

"Allen!"  she  exclaimed,  passionately,  "I  am  not  un- 
grateful. You  don't  know  all  ;  I  can't  tell  you  ;  I'm 
his  wife  ;  I  must  endure  and  keep  silent.  But  I  do 
acknowledge  your  kindly  intentions,  believe  me  or  not, 

1    A      t  " 

"I  certainly  came  with  the  best  intentions  toward  all ; 
I'll  go  with  the  same  purpose  if  I'm  permitted,"  he 
answered,  grimly. 

"You  had  an  errand,  Allan,  what  is  it?" 


,-:»ifir&-v— -^    -;- 


GOLD    DUST 


237 


"I  don't  want  to  frighten  you,  Laura,  but  Robert  is 
in  bad  odor  among  the  working-classes,  from  his  inti- 
macy with  Waller,  and  there's  no  telling  what  may 
happen.  It  was  to  warn  him  to  stay  away  from  Wal- 
ler that  I  came.  You  should  have  company  other  than 
him,"  pointing  with  ill-concealed  contempt  at  the 
library,  "You  must  not  be  alone." 

"I'll  depend  upon  any  advice  you  will  offer,"  she 
said,  eagerly,  with  a  look  of  childlike  trust  in  her  eyes. 
"Then  get  your  father  to  stay  here  to  night ;  it  will 
be  better  for  you;  he  can  be  near  you.  As  I  go  I'll 
tell  Do  watchman  at  the  next  corner  to  give  special 
itention  to  this  house,  and  if  you  need  him  send  your 
father  for  him  without  delay,"  then  Allan  turned  to  go, 
saying  as  he  paused  by  the  hall  door:  "Remember,  if  I 
can  be  of  any  use  let  me  know;  otherwise,  I'll  not 
come;  you  know  the  barriers,  Laura,"  then  gravely 
bowing  himself  out  he  left  the  house. 

Early  that  morning  the  Revenge  circulars  had  stirred 
the  waiting  city  into  desperate  activity,  and  additional 
men  were  put  upon  the  police  force,  who  with  energy 
and  zeal  kept  the  mob  well  under  control,  in  spite  of  fre- 
quent attempts  to  break  out. 

A  mass  meeting  was  proclaimed  to  be  held  at  Hay- 
market  that  evening,  to  which  all  friends  of  anarchy 
were  invited  and  urged  to  attend. 

The  morning  papers  had  informed  Robert  of  this, 
and  believing  that  the  attention  of  the  crowd  he  so 
feared  would  be  called  to  that  point  of  interest,  he 
summoned  courage  to  venture  out  with  the  intention  of 
visiting  his  office,  to  secure  certain  letters  and  papers 
of  importance.  This  office  had  been  the  joint  posses- 
sion of  himself  and  Waller,  and  each  kept  a  key  for  his 
own  exclusive  use. 

Through  the   lonely  streets  Robert    Morton  walked, 


t  \ 


238 


GOLD  DUST 


filled  with  torturing  fear.  But  he  was  determined  to 
get  to  the  office  and  save  his  papers  and  then,  leaving 
Laura  with  her  parents,  he  would  start  for  Toronto  on 
the  night  train.  Quietly  he  traversed  the  lonely  streets, 
keeping  well  in  the  shade,  until  he  got  down  to  where 
the  presence  of  a  "blue  coat"  upon  each  corner  gave  him 
a  feeling  of  security. 

Arriving  at  his  office  he  finds   everything   dark    and 
silent.     Something  about  the  place,  perhaps   his   hav- 
ing been  absent  for  two   or   three  days,  makes  it  look 
strangely  unlike  the  one  he  had  been  used  to.      Some- 
thing, perhaps  the  silence,  perhaps  the  shadows  in  the 
four  corners  seemed  to  suggest  an  untenanted  tomb,  or 
charnel  house.     He   proceeds    to  open    the  drawers   of 
his  private  secretary,  but  he  finds  them  unlocked    and 
empty!     Not  a  scrap   of   paper;   not   a  document   that 
should    prove    him  the    possessor  of    thousands    upon 
thousands  Waller  had  promised  him.      All  gone!  stolenl 
By  whom?     Who  could  be  benefited  by  the  theft?    No 
one  but  Waller  himself.     In    an    instant  it   all    flashes 
through  his  brain;  his  mind  is  clearer  than  it  had  been 
for  weeks,  for  he  had  drunk  nothing  that  evening,  and 
now  he  takes  in  the  whole    situation,  and  he  sees  that 
the  dreams  of  the  past  few  months,  the  ambitions,  the 
hopes,  are    not  yet  realized,  nor    can    they  be  without 
those  papers  to  prove  his  interest    in    ccrt'-n  valuable 
deals  known  only  to  himself  and  Waller. 

Half  mad  with  rage  and  disappointment  he  flics  from 
one  desk  to  another,  frantically  scattering  the  books 
about,  and  is  startled  into  terror  by  the  echoes.  In 
vain  his  search!  not  a  thing  could  be  found!  Every- 
thing has  been  taken  by  one  who  knew  their  value. 
No  one  could  know  as  well  as  Waller.  But  perhaps 
lie  liad  token  them  to  his  oflice  for  safe  keeping  until 
he,  Robert,  should   claim    them!     So   hastily   locking 


GOLD   DUST 


239 


the  door  he  starts  to  Waller's  office  which  is  but  a  short 
distance   away.     Arriving    there   he   is   confronted   by 
silence.     Producing  a  key  that   had   but    two  counter- 
parts, one  of  which  Waller  and  Donovan  each  earned, 
Robert  soon  stands  within  the  silent   room.     He  is  as 
well  acquainted  with  this  room  as  his  own,   and  grop- 
ing about  he  finds  a  lamp,  and    soon   has  a  light.     Us 
feeble  rays  help  him  explore  desk   and    drawers      Bu 
to  no  purpose!     The  secretary  is  locked,  but  lifting  it 
proved  it  to  be  empty,  or  nearly  so.  .         ,         , 

Without  hesitation  he  stepped  to  a  cupboard  and 
producing  a  can-opener  known  only  to  Waller  and  him- 
self, he  proceeds  to  "harry"  the  lock,  which,  after  a  halt 
hour's  work,  at  last  gives  way  and  reveals  an  emptiness 
within  that  tells  to  the  miserable  man  that  all  his  life 
has  been  greedy  for  gold,  the  whole  villainous  story  of 

fraud  and  betrayal.  ,  ,  •    r  •      1.. 

Stunned  for  a  moment  by  the  evidences  of  his  friend  s 
treachery,  he  stands  glaring  helplessly  at  those  glaring 
witnesses,  the  empty  drawers  before  him.  Ihe  night 
is  cool,  instinctively  he  turns  toward  the  hearth  for 
warmth,  and  his  eyes  are  attracted  by  an  unusually 
large  heap  of  cinders  upon  the  hearthstone.  He  knows 
paper  ashes  when  he  sees  them,  and  he  knows  that 
within    those    paper    ashes    upon   the   hearth,    lay  his 

hopes  and  fortunes. 

Still  he  remains  staring  helplessly,  stupidly,  insanely 
about  the  room  ;  at  the  dim  light  of  the  small  lamp  ; 
and  upon  the  ash-covered  hearth.  He  makes  no  sound, 
neither  moves  hand  or  foot,  just  stands  silently  staring 
about  him  at  the  desolation  and  wreck  that  has  lelt 
such  hopeless  emptiness  in  their  wake. 

II.  reuses  himself  enough  to  feel  tlu.t  lu  must  get 
out  and  down  the  stairs,  and  start  homeward,  or  to  the 
house  in  which  ha  lives,  to-night  he  has  no  home,  no 


240 


GOLD  DUST 


gold,  nothing!  He  is  a  beggar!  Laura  is  a  beggar, 
too!  Less  than  a  year  ago  he  was  considered  well  off. 
That  was  in  Toronto.  Oh!  to  get  back  to  Toronto 
again!  But  useless  are  the  regrets  that  stir  his  heavy 
chest  with  deep  drawn  sighs;  vain  the  mists  that  gather 
in  liis  eyes  at  the  recollection  of  his  Toronto  home. 
The  reality  is  before  him;  he  is  a  beggar! 

At  last  he  reaches  the  house  which  but  the  Novem- 
ber before  he  had  regarded  with  such  pride,  and  shuffl- 
ing up  the  steps  and  into  the  door  he  once  more  gains 
the  library. 

He  is  glad  to  sink  into  his  accustomed  seat,  where 
overcome  by  a  feeling  of  extreme  weariness,  he  sits 
like  a  half  animated  lump  of  flesh,  with  but  one  thought 
racking  his  heavy  brain,  as  his  eyes  take  in  the  costly 
furnishings  of  the  room;  He  is  a  beggar,  his  idolized 
money  is  gone! 

Slowly  his  brain  clears,  and  there  unfolds  to  him  the 
infamous  plot  by  which  he  has  been  induced  to  sign 
papers,  which,  for  auglit  he  knows,  may  jeopardize  his 
life  and  liberty;  upon  promises  that  he  should  be 
the  successful  candidate  for  Congress  upon  the  coming 
election,  what  a  fool  he  has  been  to  believe  such  stuff. 
He  had  become  the  tool  of  those  two  men  and  their 
allies,  upon  Waller's  advice  he  had  sunk  his  own  money, 
and  more,  in  lavish  expenditures  to  maintain  an  im- 
pressive style  of  living.  Unih^r  Waller's  influence  he 
had  sunk  himself  into  a  brute  which  evcvi  his  boon 
companions  have  forsaken,  and  from  wliich  his  long- 
siifforing  wife  slirinks  in  disgust  and  aversion.  The  mills 
have  been  grinding  slowly  all  these  years,  but  they 
have  ground  him  into  degradation  and  poverty.  Ah! 
that  thought  frightens  him,  the  future  witliout  money, 


without  gold! 
It  is  late,  past 


ten  o'clock  ;  Robert  wonders  if  the  serv- 


it 

111 


GOLD  DUST 


241 


ants  and  all  have  left.  Have  Lhey  seen  the  prospective 
change?  Where  is  Laura?  Has  she  gone  back  to  her 
parents?     Have  they  all  deserted  him? 

Fifteen  minutes  past  ten,  and  yet  he  sits  thinking  of 
the  past  few  days  and  weeks,  months  and  years  as  one 
period  of  time  stretched  on  to  another.     What  a  farce 
life   has   become!     How  can   he    face   the  world  when 
investigations   will   reveal    his   dealings   with  Waller? 
How  hold  up  his  head  when  the  public  sneers  at   him 
and  calls   him  a  beggar?     No,  better  to  end    it   all   at 
oncet     A  sure  aim,  a  steady  hand  will  bring  him  peace 
or  forgetfulness.  at  least.     Now  he  must   have  a  drink 
to  steady  his  nerves,  so  he  takes  the  flask   that    is  >'et 
half  full,  out  of  the   table  drawer  and  drams    it   to  the 
dregs,  and  soon  feels  stronger   for   the   last  act  of    us 
life      In  haste   he  writes  a  short,  pitiful   letter  to  his 
wife,    accusing   himself,  not   another,  of   the   deed   he 
should  commit.     There  is  only  one  thing  more   to  do 
He  deliberately  takes  the  pistol  from    the  drawer,  and 
examines    it   closely,  with  a  desperate    look    upon   his 
ashy  face,  muttering  to  himself,  "Anything  but  a  beg- 

car 

Still  Robert  sits  thinking,  with  that  loaded  revolver 
in  his  hand,  thinking  of  the  past.     Again  that  vast  ac- 
cusing panorama  of  his  life  rises  up   before   him,  and 
he  realizes  that    the  curse   of   the  world   has   been  his 
curse,  his  downfall,  gold!  gold!  gold!  and  all  his  dreams 
have  faded,  his  hopes  have  fled,  his  castles  have  crum- 
bled into  dust!  and  one  long  convulsive  sob  more  like 
a  heart    bursting    with    grief,  than   a  soul    taking    its 
night;  one  short,  gasping,  quivering  sigh  as  of  a  disap- 
pointed  life  cutting  in  twain  its  iceble  thread,  and  the 
man's  head   falls  forward   upon   his  chest,  while   the 
revolver  remains  in  his  hand  yet  fully  loaded. 

»9 


:f .'  V^  ■ 


242 


GOLD  DUST 


CHAPTER  XXII 

AT  THE   HAYMARKET 

_    After  Allan  left  that  afternoon,  Laura  remained  stand  • 
mg  in  deep  thought  for  some  time.      She  was  perplexed 
by  the  complication    of  distressing   circumstances,  op- 
pressed by  the  evident  danger  which  she  but  half  under- 
stood, and  saddened    by  the   feeling  of  desolation  that 
took  possession  of  her,  as  soon  as  the  hall  door  closed 
after  him.     With  a  great  effort  she  roused  herself  from 
her  revery  and  stepping  to  the  library  door  discovered 
Robert  fast  asleep  upon    the    sofa,  and  as  she  stepped 
to  his  side  and  gazed  down    upon    the    bloated    face  of 
the    unconscious    man,  she   felt    her   heart    stirred    by 
unusual  pity  for  him,  for  she  knew  that   he    had   been 
influenced  by  Waller,  and  through    him  was  no  doubt 
in  danger. 

Stifling  whatever  repugnance  she  felt  toward  one  so 
utterly  overcome  by  the  coarser  strains   in    his  nature 
she  went  back  to  the  sitting-room  and  sat    for  a   time' 
forming  plans  for  the  future.     Failing  to  arrive  at  any' 
thing  definite,  she  concluded  to  prepare  for  something 
indefinite,  for  the  something  that  was  sure  to  happen 
Accordingly  she  went  about  packing  her  trunks  with 
clothes  an<l   jewels,  and   collecting  whatever   she   felt 
she  could  claim  in  the  fare  of  everything.     This  she  did 
more  to  kill  time  and  restore  her  nerves,  than  from  any 
apparent    immediate    necessity.      If    the    frouble   blow 
over  she  could  unpack    again  ;    all    she  wanted,  in  any 
event,  was  the  few  things  she  had  brought  from  Toronto 
Having  completed    this  task   she   descended   to   the 
parlor.     Everything  was  so  still  that  she  proceeded  to 
the  kitchen,  but  only  to  find   it  untenanted;    evidently 
,^hn  servuiiis  l..,(l  gone  out.     bomethiug  impelled  Laura 


GOLD  DUST 


243 


to  go  to  the  girl's  room  ;   she  wanted   to  be  sure  that 
some  one  remained  in  the  house,  in  case  of  need.     But 
to  her  surprise  everything  belonging  to  Nora  had  been 
taken  out  of  the  room.     Laura  had  that  morning   paid 
her,  and  she  had  gone  without  a  moment's   notice.     All 
this   seemed    strange,  unaccountable.     Was   her  leave- 
taking  in  any  way  connected  with   the    trouble   among 
the    strikers?     What   would    happen    next?     She   was 
alone  in  the  great  house  with  no  one  but    Robert,  and 
he  might  need  her  protection  instead  of  protecting  her. 
It  was  now  late  in    the  evening,  Laura  felt  that  she 
must    keep    busy,    why,  she  did    not  know  ;  she   must 
prepare  for  something.     So  she  went  to   her  room  and 
exchanged   her   house   dress   for   a   plain,   dark   street 
suit.      A  cloak  and  hat  to  correspond  she  brought  down 
into  tlie  parlor  with  her.     Now  she  wanted  that  revolver 
Robert  had,  she  would    get  it :  he  was  no  doubt  sleep- 
ing so  heavily  that  she  would  not  awaken  him  and  she 
knew  just  where  to  find  it. 

Going  to  the  library  she  was   astonished    to   find   it 
vacant.     Robert  was  gone. 

Forgetting  her  errand   in   her   surprise,  she   hastily 
retraced  her  steps  to   the   parlor,  donned   her   hat  and 
cloak,  and  leaving  the  house  was   soon  at    the    nearest 
corner,  where  she  told  the  watchman  of  her  trouble  and 
asked  him  to  send  some  one  for  her  husband's  cousin. 
"Is  it  Allan  Morton  you'd  be  wantin'?" 
"Yes,  he  can  find   my  husband    sooner  than  any  one 
else,"  she  answered,  trembling  in  spite  of  her  efforts  to 

appear  calm. 

"Ye'll  hardly  find  him  in  his  room  at  this  time:  hell 
be  with  the  police,  as  has  gone  to  capture  thim  reds 
to.noight.  He  towld  me  brother  Tom  that  he  would 
j^^.  ^..,.j._      c.;,.j.,,  g„'  |„.'!l  be  on  hand  to  help  the  b'yp, 

bad  luck  to  them  »  Js?" 


\  I 


^^0tfmf^^^ 


I  1' 


344 


GOLD  DUST 


"Do  you  mean  the  anarchists,  they  who  are  making 
the  trouble?" 

"The  same, mum.  An'  it's  plenty  of  chance  he'll  have 
to  help  to-noight,  for  there's  trouble  down  at  the 
Haymarket'n  there's  small  doubt  but  some  wan  av  thim 
spalpeens  will  git  shot :  maybe,  too,  some  av  our  b'ys. 
Maybe  the  lad  himself  will  git  in  the  muss." 

"Will  he  be  in  danger?"  she  asked. 

"If  there's  danger  he'll  be  in  the  front  av  it.  It's 
loike  a  yoimg  lion  he  is,  an'  not  a  bit  afraid  av  an  an- 
archist or  the  whole  mess  ov  thim.  The  boss  knew  the 
man  when  he  put  him  on  to  help  thim  to  night. 

"Do  you  think  my  husband  is  there?"  she  asked. 

"He'd  be  in  the  way,  mum,  it  his  head's  not  jist 
stiddy,"  replied  the  policeman,  half  smiling  down  upon 
the  white-faced  woman,  who  put  the  childish  question. 
"You  go  back  and  I'll  kape  my  eyes  on  the  house. 
You'd  better  kape  indoors  to-noight :  it  be  sorry  times, 
and  unsafe  for  ladies  on  the  streets  so  late.  I'll  walk 
to  the  corner  wid  ye." 

At  the  corner  they  met  another  officer  who  informed 
them  tliat  he  had  seen  Robert  Morton  going  down  town 
less  than  an  hour  before. 

Laura  felt  easier  about  Robert,  who,  she  believed 
would  soon  return  home,  but  as  she  thought  of  Allan's 
danger  at  the  hands  of  an  infuriated  mob,  she  forgot 
everything  but  him,  to  find  him,  to  stand  between  him 
and  danger. 

She  knew  in  which  part  of  the  city  lay  the  scene  of 
the  strife.  Impelled  by  the  devotion  that  had  been 
repressed  and  slumbering  so  many  years,  she  rushed 
away  in  that  direction,  forgetting  everything  but  the 
terrible  fate  awaiting  Allan.  With  the  policeman's 
words  ringing  in  her  cars,  she  thought  not  f^f  thr  hour, 


■MMMMt 


GOLD  DUST 


245 


Time  and  place  faded  from  her   mind.     Allan   was   in 

danger. 

On  she  rushed,  horror  lending  her  wings ;  desperation 
giving  her  strength ;  devotion  malting  her  totally  ob- 
livious of  the  madness  of  the  act.  What  an  intermina- 
ble road!  will  it  never  end?  Will  she  be  too  late? 
On  she  rushes,  pausing  a  moment  now  and  then  to  get 
breath.  At  last  she  finds  herself  near  the  scene  and 
she  sees  others  hurrying  in  the  same  direction. 

Now  she  sees  crowds  rushing  toward  the  scene,  and 
she  tries  with  her  small  strength  to  keep  pace  with 
them  ;  but  one  after  another  passes  her  in  the  cruel 
race.  She  hears  hoarse  voices  as  of  men  yelling  and 
cheering.  Staggering  on  in  desperation,  she  arrives  at 
last  near  the  scene,  just  in  time  to  see  a  small  army  of 
policemen  marching  down  Desplaines  Street,  in  pursuit 
of  the  maddest,  wildest  looking  mob  of  men  that  her 
eyes  ever  beheld. 

She  retreats  into  the  shadow  of  a  corner  where  she 
can  watch  for  Allan  among  the  number.  Panting  for 
breath,  half  dead  from  her  long  run,  she  can  with  diffi- 
culty stand,  but  no  one  notices  her,  so  wild  and  excited 
is  the  crowd  that  runs  hither  and  thither,  screaming 
and  shouting.  Bricks  and  stones  were  hurled  at  the 
blue-coats  ;  curses  and  threats  fill  the  air.  She  watches, 
closely  scanning  every  policeman,  and  in  fact  every 
one  who  seems  to  be  in  pursuit  of  the  offenders.  She 
is  in  despair.     What  if  ho  is  killed!     Even  now  he  may 

be  dead! 

She   totters   towanl    a  lamp  post,  fully    unconscious 

of  her  danger  from  flying  missiles,  when   over  yonder 

among  those  policemen  she  at  last  sees  a  familiar  form. 

It  is  Allan.     Ho  is  at  the  front  now,  the  watchman  was 

ri-'lit    A!!:\n  was  no  coward!      He  is  plainly  seen.      His 

tall  form,  and  bare,  blonde  head,  furnish  an  attractive 


fm^k*m0.^9 


wwHw*******?**'"'***'**''' 


246 


GOLD    DUST 


M 


target    for  the  stones  and  bricks,  some  of  which  graze 
him! 

One  desperate,  fiendish  female,  rendered  devilish  by 
drink,  and  the  excitement  of  the  occasion,  takes  aim 
at  him,  but  is  restrained  by  another,  and  the  stone  is 
aimed  at    another,  an  officer  : 

The  next  instant  with  a  shudder  Laura  sees  the  man 
fall :  the  stone  has  not  missed  its  mark,  though  the 
man  struggles  again  to  his  feet.  There  are  men  stand- 
ing in  a  wagon,  talking  wildly,  near  to  which  Allan 
stands,  when  suddenly  a  rushing,  roaring,  shrieking 
sound  rises  high  above  the  din,  as  a  ball  of  fire  shoots 
through  the  air  from  an  opposite  corner  and  falls  in 
the  midst  of  the  policemen.  A  terrible  scene  ensues; 
but  above  even  the  appalling  screams  of  that  merciless 
bomb,  and  cries  and  groans  of  the  wounded,  the  mad 
yells  of  the  frenzied  mob,  and  the  shrill  neigh  of  tiie 
terrified  horses,  rises  a  cry  so  full  of  horror  and  fear, 
that  the  bare-headed  man  wrestling  in  the  clutches  of 
those  demons  who  have  closed  about  his  friend,  an 
officer,  hears  and  blanches  at  the  sound.  In  another 
minute,  she  is  in  their  midst,  struggling  with  that  mob 
of  wild  beasts,  who  are  dragging  Allan  under  the  wheels 
of  a  wagon,  and  out  of  her  sight.  Fiercely  she  strug- 
gles, frantically  she  implores,  and  with  her  small  hands 
wrestles  and  pulls,  strains  and  tugs  to  get  their  victim 
wlio  is  evidently  unconscious,  out  of  their  clutches. 
Some  one,  attracted  by  her  desperate  energy,  helps  her, 
then,  another,  and  at  last  they  got  him  up  between 
them  and  bear  him  out  of  that  seething  mob,  carrying 
liim  a  little  to  one  side. 

Blood  is  streaming  from  a  wound  in  his  head;  she 
tries  with,  her  tender  hands  to  stop  the  red  river  tl'.at 
trickles  down  over  her  fingers.  Then  the  crowd  surges 
against  them  :    the   police   arc  driving    the  mob  before 


GOLD  DUST 


247 


pistol  shot  and  club,  and  Laura  hears  the  groans  and 
cries  of  the  poor,  tortured,  wounded  victims  of  anarchy 
all  about  her.  The  crowd  surges  in  between  her  and 
the  place  where  Allan  lay  a  few  minutes  before,  carry- 
ing her  back  with  the  force  of  the  resistless  ocean,  and 
when  it  moves  away,  he  is  gone  :  she  can  not  see  where, 
for  patrol  wagons  are  bearing  away  the  dead  and 
wounded. 

Desperately  she  seeks  to  discover  some  trace  of  him, 
she  is  told  that  the  wounded  will  be  taken  to  the  hos~ 
pital,  the  killed  to  the  morgue  to  await  identification. 
Sick  with  disappointment,  Laura  feels  that  she  is 
getting  too  much  exhausted  to  walk,  so  looks  about 
for  a  cab  or  hack.  As  none  is  near,  the  horror  of  the 
scene  appalls  her,  and  she  starts  homeward. 

Before  going  two  blocks  she  is  suddenly  accosted  by 
a  detaining  hand  upon  her  shoulder,  and  a  fiendish 
voice  close  to  her  ear.  Her  shrill  scream  provokes 
harsh  laughter  and  vile  jest,  as  frantically  she  rushes 
over  the    interminable    pavement,  whither    she    knows 

not. 

As  she  turns  a  corner,  she  espies  a  solitary  man 
standing  by  a  lamp  post.  Believing  him  to  be  a  police- 
man she  asks  the  direction  to  her  street,  and  is  annoyed 
to  hear  him  say  : 

"With  pleasure,  I  will  escort  Mrs.  Morton  home," 
and  recognizes  the  soft,  persuasive  tones  of  Jason  Wal- 
ler. 

His  voice  strikes  upon  her  heart  a  greater  terror 
than  the  jostlings  of  the  crowd  at  the  scene  of  the 
massacre,  or  the  vile  hand  upon  her  shoulder  from 
which  she  had  just  fled. 

Dumb  with  terror,  she  rushes  away,  passing  another 
against  whom  she  almost  falls.  Recovering  herself,  she 
again    tries   to    flee,  and  almost    immediately  a   pistol 


.H#    ^^|W»"'WSW"*P*" 


24^ 


GOLD    DUST 


shot  cuts  tlu  air,  a  sharp  cry  is  borne  back  to  her, 
and  turning  she  sees  a  commotion  where  but  a  minute 
before  Waller  had  stood,  and  that  a  murder  has  been 
committed,  she  has  no  doubt.  But  what  of  that,  the 
air  is  full  of  murder  and  bloodshed. 

She  hears  a  hasty  step  following,  and  terrified,  she 
looks  back  only  to  discover  that  the  man  is  evidentl}' 
trying  to  overtake  her.  Running  v/ith  all  her  might 
cannot  take  her  beyond  his  reach,  and  he  soon  over- 
takes her,  and  politely  offers  his  escort,  assuring  her 
of  the  expediency  of  its  acceptance.  She  can  not  re- 
fuse, and  together  they  thread  the  silent  streets.  When 
near  her  house  he  suddenly  halts  and  says  : 

"Tell  your  father  that  Leon  Illardo  has  this  night 
atoned  for  the  wrong  done  Jennie  Bassett  by  his  father, 
Paul  Bretani.  I  am  Jennie  Bassett's  son,"  then  bow- 
ing low,  he  haughtily  strode  away.  All  this  she  can 
see,  as  they  halt  within  a  few  j'ards  of  a  street  lamp. 

It  is  after  midnight  when  she  stands  within  the  silent 
house,  and  fearing  that  Robert  will  discover  her,  she 
softly  enters  the  hall  and  proceeds  at  once  to  her  room. 
Hastily  laying  her  hat  and  cloak  aside,  she  throws  her-' 
self  down  on  the  bed.  Though  she  fully  intended  to 
visit  the  library  after  taking  a  few  minutes  rest,  ytt  so 
weary  is  she,  that  she  is  soon  fast  asleep.  Laura  did 
not  wake  until  her  father's  kind  voice  roused  her  the 
following  morning. 

"I  just  came  over  to  get  ye  to  spend  the  day  with 
mother  and  me;  it's  poky  stayin'  here  with  all  them 
rows  down  town." 

She  Hid  as  he  directed.  She  could  not  speak  for 
the  great  horror  that  filled  her  heart,  at  sight  of  those 
red  stains  on  her  hands.  Then  she  took  the  cup  and 
looking  up  into  her  father's  face  saw  that  he  was  white 
and  disturbed,  and  inquired  if  he  was  sick. 


wmsi 


GOLD   DUST 


449 


••I'm  just  as  well  as  can  be  expected.  Now  you 
drink  you.  tea,  'fore  i.  gits  cold.  I  made  .t  myself,  see- 
in' there's  no  hired  g.rl  here  ;  she's  lit  out,  I  Su^ss 

•■But  you  are  trembling,  father,  what  rs  the  matter? 
Have  vou  heard  bad  news?" 

She  was  choking   back  the  question   that  rose  to  he 
lins  when  she  first  opened  her  eyes  that  mornmg.     She 
Wanted  to  shriek  out   the  bold  query,     Hast.ly  swaU 
Towing  part  of  the   tea,  and  rising  w.th  a  fixed  look 
upon  her  face,  she  said  in  a  voice  that  would  brook  no 

denial:  , 

"Father,  tell  me  the  trouble.  ,_  „    ,     ,  .. 

"You're  mother'll  tell  ye  :  she  kin  tell  ye  better  n  I, 

^ste''sr  ;1"  n.  not  leave  this  house  until  you 
tell  me, "  then  started  toward  the  door,  saying  :  Father, 
ha  Robert  come  home?  He  wen.  out  last  eventng,  the 
first  time  in  three  or  four  days."  She  saw  her  father 
start  and  look  confused,  and  she  repeated  her  question^ 
■Yis  vis.  child,  he's  back,"  then  going  .0  her  s.de 
he  pla  ed  ino  wrinkled,  trembling  hand  upon  her  am, 
saying   softly,  as  though   he  were  soothing  a  child  in 

"°"a'ld,  it's  just  what  we  'spected.     Don't  git  scart, 
but,  myi;oor  little  girl,  it's  come,  the  trouble's  come- 
"What  is  it,  father?     Where  is  Robert? 
■■In  the  library,  he's  there;   the  men   are  with  him. 
Co,':  tck.  LaLa,  you  can't  go  «herer'  but  s  e^was 
fly,„g  down  the  stairs,  and  passing  through  the   ibrar> 
door'which  had  yielded  to  her  determined  efforts,  and 
was  soon  standing  in  the  1  resence  of  two  officers,  who 
seemed  to  be  guarding  the  place..  „,:,,,j  ,„ 

The  men  sought  to  restrain  her,  when  she  glided  to 
!,„  h..d,»„,l's  side,  and  discovered  the  letter  on  the 
table 'before"  him.     They  were   subdued   by  her  calm- 


250 


GOLD    DUST 


ness  which  had  been  mutely  eloquent,  until  she  had 
espied  the  pistol  in  his  hand,  when  with  a  moan  of 
horror  she  shrank  from  the  spot. 

Robert  sat  in  his  chair,  with  his  head  lying  low  upon 
his  massive  chest.  No  sign  of  any  struggle  marred 
the  composure  of  death.  One  large,  siill  hand,  that 
looked  unfamiliar  because  it  was  so  white,  lay  on  the 
table  over  the  letter  \  the  other  grasped  the  loaded  re- 
volver. 

Death  had  overtaken  him,  desperately  clutching  the 
revolver,  as  indicated  by  the  unrelaxed    fingers,  which 

still  clung  to  the  unnecessary  weapon. 

******* 

During  the  days  of  shadow  that  followed,  they  quietly 
laid  the  remains  of  Robert  Morton  in  Graceland,  beside 
little  Dot.  The  big  house  v/as  given  up,  the  furniture 
put  Into  the  hands  of  an  auctioneer,  and  within  ten  days 
from  the  night  of  the  Haymarket  massacre,  they  were 
ready  to  leave  Chicago.  Mr.  Bassett  and  his  old  wife 
and  Laura  are  sitting  alone  in  their  little  sitting-room 
which  they  are  prepared  to  leave  so  gladly,  upon  the 
following  day.  They  were  talking  over  the  strange 
language  of  Leon  Illardo  :  "Tell  your  father  that  Leon 
Illardo  has  this  night  atoned  for  the  wrong  done  Jen- 
nie Bassett  by  Paul  Bretani.     I    am   Jennie   Bassett's 

son." 

These  words  had  come  back  to  Laura  after  the  first 
shock  of  her  husband's  death,  and  she  turned  to  her 
father  for  a  solution  of  their  mysterious  meaning. 

"Jennie  Bassett's  son!"  he  exclaimed,  half  dazed,  "I 
was  sure  I  knowed  that  man  :  was  sure  I'd  seen  him 
somewhere  afore.  Why ;  to  be  sure  he's  the  livin' 
image  of  that  scamp  ez  stole  my  sister  Jennie  away  :  an' 
he  was  a  socialist,  too,  guess  that's  'bout  tlic  same  as 
anarchy.     He  uster  speak  to  crowds  of  workin'  men  an' 


,f^-.^y^4-  \^mmm 


GOLD    DUST 


251 


Kit  'em  all  excited  over  their  wrongs  and  poverty.  ,us 
a     thev  do  now.      Strange!  bnt  it  all  con.es  to  my  .n.nd 
cerascanbe!     I  knowe,.    I'd  seen   hnn   somewheres 
a  ore-  ..k     was  so  long  ago.  I  couldn't  tell  where   or 
whin      Why,  I've  thonght  an'  thought'n  stud.ed   over 
t  ;.  ..  mos;    00k    my  mind,      Knowed  I'd    seen  b>,n. 
I'll  fin.,  hir^  and  bring  him  home,  .i  he's  decent.     1 11 
bri^g  him  to  Toronto.     I  want  to  thank  '..m,  lor  mter- 
L dn'  with  that  Waller.     I  kin  most  lorgive  h.s  farther 
v,hen  I  think  of   it.     Well,  well'  ]-"'-'=>  so"      Wl^ 
he's  the  livin' image  of  Panl  Bretani'n  that  »  all  I  have 

'^Bu'they  did  not  find  Leon  lUardo.  I->ead,  a  let- 
ter  came  t'o  them  that  very  evening.  They  read  . h.s 
letter  over  and  over  again.  They  were  not  able  to  find 
the  writer,  but  this  letter  which  they  read  w.th  mterest 
explains  everything.     It  ran  thus  : 

^''  ^tTlZ  about  -  leave  the  city,  I  will  clear  up 

the  mytteryo    thes"o,.e..dian,onds,  both  Mrs.  Morton^ 

'and  MrsN^an  Tassel's.     Allan   M°rton  d.d   not^  .1 

them       Thev  were   not   stolen.     To   steal    is  a   crime. 

Ana  chv  knows  „o  crime  in  self-defense,  or  its  upbui  d- 

^r     The  iewels  were  taken  to  convert  into  money  for 

he  beiefit'  oTTnarchy.     Li.ette  stole  Mrs    Morton  s 

dresses.      Lizette  expected  to  be  my  wife     I  '^°^  ^  -jot 

marry  a  thief!     She  was  sly  and  deceitful,  and  treacn 

"rson  WalUr  wa's  tt'cause  of  Robert  Morton's  deatl. 
From    he  h^rst  W.dler  had  a  scheme  to  make  Morton  a 

SSi=£S='As 

"'1  wa's'siarching  for  Waller  when  1  met  your  daughter 


252 


GOLD    DUST 


coming  from  Haymarket  square.  He  was  pursuing  her. 
He  was  bent  upon  making  her  his  wife.  I  shot  Inni. 
Then  I  walked  home  with  your  daughter.  When  1 
went  back  to  wlicre  I  left  him,  he  was  dying.  A  friend 
helped  me  carry  him  to  a  certain  house,  where  he  died 
in  a  few  minutes  after.  I  found  a  package  of  papers 
in  his  pocket,  all  that  furnished  security  to  him,  and 
would  wrong  others.  I  destroyed  that  package.  He 
told  me  that  he  had  burned  everything  else  but  that 
package:  that  won't  harm  anyone  now:  I  burned  it. 

Waller  can't  harm  anyone  either  ;  I  sliot  him!  That 
was  my  revenge.  He  played  me  false,  he  is  dead,  and 
buried  in  a  hole  out  on  the  prairie.  Good  for  the 
dog!  Allan  Morton  was  hurt  the  night  of  the  Hay- 
market  massacre.  I  don't  think  he  ir.  dead.  Nell 
Walton  knows  where  he  is.  He  is  taken  good  care 
of  by  friends.  If  he  recovers,  he  must  answer  for  him- 
self. I  don't  like  him,  for,  though  he  was  a  friend  to 
the  poor,  he  was  an  enemy  to  anarchy.  I  am  an  Anarch- 
ist.     I  will  devote  my  life  to  Anarchy. 

Now,  I  will  tell  you  that  I  am  the  lawful  son  of 
Jenny  and  Paul  Bretani.  I  am  your  nephew,  and 
Laura  Morton's  cousin.  I  discovered  this  through 
Lizette  who  used  to  listen,  and  so  heard  your  family 
talking  about  it.  Then  I  resolved  to  watch  Waller,  for 
I  knew  t!  it  he  wanted  to  get  rid  of  Robert  Morton, 
and  marry  Laura.  He  told  me  it  was  the  purpose  of 
his  111..  In  watching  him  I  discovered  many  things; 
they  made  me  hate  the  man.  I  shot  him.  He  is  dead. 
I  shall  return  to  Italy;  I  hate  this  land  of  rich  tyranny. 
I  leave  to-night. 

Lkon  Ii.lakdo  Pkf/iani. 

This  letter  furnished  Eben  Bassett  a  good  deal  of  sat- 
isfaction. 

"Well,  it  clears  up  the  mystery  'bout  them  diamonds," 
.id  he  to  Laura,  as  they  sat  talking  over  the  mysteri- 
ous talian.  "Allan  Morton  must  have  a  putty  bar  J 
case  agin  some  of  us  'bout  that  robbery.  I've  got  to 
find  him  and  tell  him  all  'bout  it  'fore  I  can  rest,  that's 
a  fact.' 


GOLD  DUST 


253 


1    f.Hior      You  must  nci.  interfere  in 

"That  is  niv  work,  tatner.      lu^  .  , 

tha^   i  musfand  hun  and  tell   hin,  overytlnng,    sa.d 

''"b:,.  rvegot  toTolc„i.e  <« -''■"^ '>■»";":!'"-' 
••And  what,  lather?     What  "J-  f^f^J-   f  „,,,„  i 
■■I  'bused  him  shamefully.     1  was  aesp  ra 

guess  I  said  everything  I  -^^fj^^^^     ^ord  grant 

"O  we  have  all  need  ot  Ins  ior[^ivi.ii«-=> 
U  ma'y Tot  be  too  late  to  obtain  it."  answered  Laura, 
with  quivering  lips.  ^        ^^j^^e 

They  remained  severa  d^y^^^^^lV^^^f.^eould   hear 
time    to    make   thorough   ^^^'^^.^^'  ^^^   '^^..u  to  To- 

(  u:,.^    ntid  beinec  anxious  to  get   oacK  lu 
nothing  of  him,  and  ueing  ^^^^^^ 

„  +Uq  lYTittor  into  tne  iiciiius  ui  "»■ 
ronto,  they  gave  the  matter  in  ^^ 

whose  faithfulness  and  efficiency  had  been  ^^  ^ 

,        •   w  .f  thP  Havmarket  massacre,  and  departed  lor 
the  night  of  the  llayman  ^^^_ 

Toronto,  glad  to  leave  ^^  ^^ ^^  \  ^J^^,^^  ^ 

.ows;  the  city  with  ^^^^^^;^^^^^ ^   the  pistol 

tul  Haymarket  -l^^^  ;/  '^^  Jf  f,;,,  .^a  show  in  which 

and  bomb  ;  the  seen  so    i^^f^  ^,,,y,,i„, 

she  had  acted  a  par    for  a  few     r  ^^^_ 

that  could  remind  them  of  the  treachery  o  j 

ler  and  the  downfall  of  Robert  Morton. 


CHAPTER  XXIII 

UVINO    OK    DKAD 

:,,    Toronto,  and  we  will    look 
It  is   summer   again.  »"   ^/u^ei     old  home,  which 
in  upon  the  Basset    ^^^^:,:^^,,  back, 
by  the  merest  good  luck  th<^y  J^^  ^        ^^^^   ^j,em 

Old  Mrs.  Bassett  is  serenely  happy, 
so  a  dozen  times  a  day  ^^^^^^  ^^-^ 

Eben  goes   about  w.  h  a  looK  ^^.^^ 

kind  old  face.    He  has  lost  much  oi  that  aspen  y 


^+=;ws««*e5*«s«*»s« 


'^54 


GOLD  DUST 


characterized  botli  manner  and  speech  formerly,  under 

trying  times. 

Nettie  had  married  while  visiting  at  Helen's  and 
returned  upon  a  short  visit,  bringing  Una  with  her. 
She  could  not  understand  her  father,  in  his  new  char- 
acter, and  to  her  mother  confided  her  misgivings: 

"I  don't  believe  he's  going  to  live  long;  he's  so 
chan^V'J,"  she  said.     "He   never   snaps   nor   snarls   at 

me  now." 

"Well,  he  was  pesky  hard  to  get  plong  with,  and  no 
mistake,"  said  her  mother,  pluming  her  cap  strings, 
"but  now,  I  just  take  solid  comfort,  only  Laura,  poor 
girl!  she  is  sometimes  so  sad!  She's  devoted  to  Una. 
We  never  talk  much  about  Robert,  she  seems  to  avoid 
the  subject;  it's  tlie  best  way." 

"I  don't  think  she's  sad  all  the  time,"  argued  Nettie. 
"Sometimes  I  have  seen  her  with  a  look  of  expecta- 
tion,  that's  what  I  call  it,  in  her  eyes,  but  she  always 
grows  sad  and  silent  again  as  though  disappointed." 

"Nettie,  while  there's  life  there's  hope.    I  believe  she 
expects   Allan  some  time,"  said   her  mother,  confiden 
tially,  "i  never  ask  her   about   him:     I'm  waiting   for 
her    to   tell  me.     I   do   suppose  she   tells   her   father, 
though.' 


The  summer  had  come  and  gone  again.  The  autumn 
had  followed  in  her  wake  and  had  been  succeeded  by 
winter.  The  ice  king's  breath  had  melted  upon  the 
window-panes  in  that  old  home  in  Toronto  under  the 
genial  rays  of  April  stui,  and  May  had  brought  blos- 
som and  leaf  in  forest  and  garden. 

Again  the  4th  of  May  dawned  bright,  one  of  those 
heavenly  days  wliich  Wordsworth  assiires  us  cannot 
die.     The  morning  papers  told  Laura  that    it  was   the 


i?M'i  ■  ^■^'fr^Matotaa'ftrf'^ 


GOLD    DUST 


255 


second  anniver..ry  of  the  H.ymarket  ma.sacre  inCh!- 

^Hcr  heart  told  her  that  it  rvas  the  anniversary  of  that 
day  in  which  she  had   sucounhed    to   a   strongerw.il 
power,  and  had  tried  to  s.ve  Allan. 
'    He  had  recognized  her  in  that  awlul  hou.     D.d  he 
!,„?     Tf  alive   would  he  ever  come  to  Toronto  r 
Shc'had  Vft  w     d  w.th   Mrs.  Van  Tassel.  lu,n,bhng 
f       ;    1  do  so    lor    in  "-te  of  her  apparent   mterest 
rdtn  net   Z  hated  the  won.an.  still  she  had  though, 
best  to  leave  word  .ith  her,  that  .he  was   go.ng    >    k 
'o  Toronto,  hoping  that  ,f  Allan  lived  he  would  ge,  the 

""  Ko'sorrow  remains  in  her  heart  lor  Robert,  dead  just 
INo  sorruM  ,„„.nrr;te      She   can   remembei' 

good  wife  to    Kobe  t  ^^^^^^    ^^^^ 

';::ri:::;eut'ir:'r^^^^ 

::„:":,,!  wllU^to  give  her  a  lew  early  spring  flow- 

'"■■pirst  of  the  kind  I've  found  this  spring    I  though. 

,  •,    like  'cm      S'pose  you  know  what  day  th.s 

„aybe  5™  .:'"';  ^"^^„,,    ,  ,  J   ,„ok   the  (lowers  and 

''\    r    tlu       ,  "fume,    thanked   him   between    little 

Tatish  d     n  is  t'  ttru-indcd  him,  us  he  watched  her 

"•'•-•-r'J;r:s^.w:snL::h:r:r:;:;::i 

lessncss  in  her  eyes,  anu  li  vy«o 

'■'■':u'r.r:lh'da;TMay.r...   notlik,.,y.o.org,.. 
Ui  I  ^ish  I    coull"  sh..  answered,  still   .ouch.ng   the 


256 


GOLD    DUST 


bright,  sweet  blossoms  to  her  cheeks  and    lips,  caress- 
ingly,  and  filling  her  nostrils  with  their  delicate  odor. 
Just  then  from  away  down  the  road,  she  saw  a  figure 
coming  toward    them.     That  was   nothing,  her   father 
assured  her ;   men  came  that  way  often.     But   as  each 
quick  step    brought    the   object  of   her    close   scrutiny 
more  distinctly  to  her  view,  she  said,  pressing  the  flow- 
ers over  her  fast  beating  heart,  while  she   pointed   the 
other  white  hand  in  that  direction. 
"Father,  see  him;  see  tliat  man!" 
"I  can't  see  plainly.     What's  to  pay?     My  eyes   are 
not  so  good  as  yourn.     Who's  a  comin'?" 

"Father,  it  is  Allan!"  and  the  blosf.oms  fell  at  her 
feet,  while  her  eyes  dilated  with  eagerness. 

"Allan!  the  Lord  be  praised!  I've  just  been  a  han- 
kerin'  arter  this  moment  to  see  Allan,  an'  make  it  up 
with  him  'fore  I  die.  I'll  go  to  Hanner,"  and  away 
he  hobbled  to  tell  his  wife  the  news.  She,  good  soid, 
was  rushing  to  the  door,  with  oi)en  arms,  to  welcome 
Allan,  but  her  old  hiir.band  called  her  back,  saying: 

"No  vcr  don't,  Hanner!  Don't  meddle  with  'em. 
There's  been  too  much  o'  that.  I'm  mos'  bustin'  to  see 
him  fust,  but  it's  her  company,  leastwise  if  slie  wasn't 
here,  he  wouldn't  be.  I  gness  he's  come  for  her  this 
time,  no  mistake!" 

Then  "Hanner"  in  n  state  of  excitement,  absolutely 
dangerous,  bustled  about  the  kitchen  to  work  off  her 
feelings  over  a  cook  stove,  while  Ebcn  found  his  time 
fully  occupied  in  restraining  Una  from  flying  down  the 

walk  to  see  cousin  Allan. 

♦  ♦♦♦*♦♦ 

Laura   had  stood  waiting  in  the  edge  of  the  garden, 
as  Alhin  came  swiftly  toward  licr.      Happiness  radiated 
from  her  eyes,  and  the  fading   rays  of   sunlight  toucli 
ing  her  golden  hair  with  its  brilliant  shaflr..  made   her 


■IfW 


GOLD  DUST 


257 


\\ 


abiding  in  her  heart,  and  P^^^^  ^^^^  f^.^.     A 

n.etan.orphosing  ^^ ^^'^^  t^^   infinitely 
lUtle    more    dignified,  a   ^^^tle    n  or     g  ^^^ 

--.^^^^"r%;t\tu   n^orn^rs  oftatchi'ng  and 

l°''-^""'irA  an  r  toward  her  she  saw  that  he 
hoping.  As  ^l""^'  ^  ^^^^  „,,,iiness  mingled  with 
was  bronzed  and  rudd>     AD  ^^^^^^^^   ^^^ 

the  tormer  delicacy  that  Mr.  Bas.ett  1  ^^^^ 

fine- grained.     He   came  toward   her,  carr>ing 
in  his  hand.        ^  ^j  ^^.^  forehead 

A  white  scar  m  the  "Pl-;j\^  ^^  ^^^  ^^   ,,,,t   night  in 

•fi,  tlip  nas^^ionateness  ot  despair. 
,ng  with  the  Pas^'^°  J         i^^^^ra;  what  is   my 

"I  am   come  for   the    lasi    n"'  . 

""tren  the  proud  woman  flung  her  whi.e  arms  about 
his  nccU,  -yins  soltly    -;;'-^>;       ,   ^,,,^,,  ,„a   be 

"I  love  you,  Allan,  1  wm  j 

true  to  you  living  or  dead!" 

THE   END. 


t 


>7 


